Synergistic effects of Ginseng C. A. Mey and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge on activating mice splenic lymphocytes detected by microcalorimetry and the underlying mechanisms predicted by in silico network analysis

摘要

The aim of the current study was to investigate the combination effect of Ginseng C. A. Mey (ginseng) and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (astragalus) which are commonly used for strengthening immune system. In this study, the effects of ginseng, astragalus and their combination on activating mice splenic lymphocytes were studied by microcalorimetry in vitro. The parameters of Pmax, Q and Tmax of heat-production curve in spleen lymphocytes were recorded and analyzed, as well as their association with drug concentration. Through the combination index analysis, it was found that ginseng and astragalus could induce the heat generation of splenic lymphocytes. Network analysis was used to investigate the mechanisms, which showed that their combination may cause immune activation in the body through several signaling pathways such as T cell receptor signaling pathway and PI3 K-Akt signaling pathway.