Evaluation of antioxidant and immune activity of Phellinus ribis glucan in mice

The potential protective effects of Phellinus ribis glucan (PRG) administration against immune injury due to free radical formation were evaluated in mice. The results showed that glucan administration significantly increased thymus and spleen indices, spleen lymphocyte proliferation and NK cells activity, as well as CD8 T cell numbers, and decreased CD4+/CD8+. In accordance with a previous study, glucan administration significantly enhanced plasma glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutases activity and reduced plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive species level. In conclusion, our results indicate that glucan administration improve immune function by its free radicals scavenging activity and reducing oxidative stress in mice.