Abstract
The development of effective utilization methods of Shochu distillation remnants is desirable from the viewpoint of environmental protection and biomass. In this study, we examined inhibitory effects of the powder (barley-powder) obtained from the barley-Shochu distillation remnants on the various tumor cells in vitro and immunostimulation effect in vivo. Remarkable inhibitory effects on the growth of human lung tumor cells along with the induction of apoptosis were obtained for barley-powder in vitro. On the other hand, the barley-powder induced the production of serum Interferon (IFN)-γ for normal rats in vivo, and increased natural killer (NK) activity. Furthermore, the barley-powder showed no acute toxicity in the tail vein administration to normal rats. It was found that the barley-powder had not only an antitumor effect but also an immunostimulation effect for the first time.
