Abstract
The culture product of Suehirotake (Schizophyllum commune Fries) mycelium (SCP) is supposed to stimulate cellular immunity. In fact, Schizophyllan (β-1, 6-branched β-1, 3-glucan) contained in SCP has anti-tumor activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SCP feeding on cytokine production in mice in order to clarify the immunological effects of SCP as a dietary component. The levels of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ produced in the culture supernatant of spleen cells from SCP-fed mice were significantly high compared to those in control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the level of IFN-γ was dependent on the dose of SCP. The level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was not changed by SCP-feeding. These results suggest that SCP could be useful food with immunomodulating activities by promoting Th1 immune response via oral route.
