Protective effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine, You-Gui-Wan, on steroid-induced inhibition of cytokine production in mice

You-Gui-Wan (YGW), a classical yang-tonic prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is thought to boost the body function against diseases. To determine the effects of YGW on the steroid-induced inhibition of cytokine production in mice, we established a murine model with hydrocoticoid (HC)-induced cytokine suppression. The results showed that oral administration of YGW protected mice against HC-induced inhibition of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 transcription, and the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells containing intracellular cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased in murine spleen. The protection of YGW against HC-induced inhibition of cytokine production was further confirmed by the elevated serum level of IFN-γ in YGW-treated mice. The results suggest that YGW improve the immune function even in the serious immunosuppressive condition.