Effects of a Plum (Prunus mume Siebold and Zucc.) Ethanol Extract on the Immune System in Vivo and in Vitro

Abstract

The effect of a plum ethanol extract (PEE) on immunity was analyzed. An oral administration of PEE increased the interleukin (IL)-12p40 concentration in the serum and T-cell ratio in the spleen. In vitro studies revealed that PEE stimulated IL-12p70 production in peritoneal macrophages and natural killer activity. These findings suggest that PEE enhanced the immune function by stimulating innate immune cells.