Abstract
In the present study an isolated bacteria from the kudzu vine (Pueraria Lobata), identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, was determined to be a type of lactic acid bacteria. The physiological functions of heated L. mesenteroides were examined and the results indicated that the production of Interleukin (IL)-12 in mouse splenocytes showed a higher value than the control OK432. In addition, the result demonstrated that the test substance exhibited an immunostimulatory effect in mice. In particular, it showed a higher value when the lactic acid bacteria was cultured in kudzu starch treated with a heated enzyme instead of glucose, resulting in a heightened immune-stimulating activity. Moreover, an anti-tumor effect was also observed in murine breast cancer 4T1 cells subcutaneously transplanted in mice. The result indicated a lower value tendency relative to the average tumor volume and weight in the group administered with the culture substance containing kudzu dextrin in comparison with an untreated group, suggesting the possibility of an anti-tumor effect. In the same study an anti-influenza virus effect was also observed in infected mice. Three days after administering a viral infection the amount of infected broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was significantly less, and 14 days after infection neutralizing antibodies titer, as well as specific IgA in serum and BALF, was significantly elevated in comparison to the control. It was concluded that an enhancement of the living organism’s immunity produced the anti-influenza viral effect and that the oral administration of the culture substance with the L. mesenteroides kudzu dextrin was effective in preventing influenza virus viral infection
