Immunomodulatory Effects of Yun Zhi and Danshen Capsules in Healthy Subjects—a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

Authors: C.K. Wong, P.S. Tse, E.L.Y. Wong, P.C. Leung, K.P. Fung, C.W.K. Lam

Journal: International Immunopharmacology

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

Participants: 100 healthy subjects (age ≥ 30)

Intervention: The subjects were randomized into two groups and received the following interventions in a crossover design:

• Group A (n = 44):
  • Placebo capsules daily for 4 months
  • 2-month washout period
  • Yun Zhi (50 mg/kg body weight) plus Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) capsules daily for 4 months
• Group B (n = 46):
  • Yun Zhi plus Danshen capsules daily for 4 months
  • 2-month washout period
  • Placebo capsules daily for 4 months

Outcome Measures:

• Lymphocyte subtypes and concentration of T helper (Th) cell cytokines in culture supernatant using flow cytometry
• Gene expression of cytokines and cytokine receptors of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using cDNA expression array
• Safety assessment (liver and renal functions, biochemical bone profile)

Summary: The study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) capsules in healthy subjects. The results showed that regular consumption of these capsules significantly increased PBMC gene expression of interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, the percentage and absolute counts of T helper cells, and the CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio. It also enhanced the ex vivo production of the Th1 cytokine interferon-γ from PBMC. No adverse effects on liver and renal functions or the biochemical bone profile were observed. The study concluded that regular consumption of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules could be beneficial for immunological functions by potentially enhancing cell-mediated immunity in healthy subjects without any adverse effects.