Potential Immunoregulatory Mechanism of Plant Saponins: A Review
Liuhong Shen,
Hao Luo,
Lei Fan,
Xinyu Tian,
Anguo Tang,
Xiaofeng Wu,
Ke Dong,
Zhetong Su
Affiliations
Liuhong Shen
The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Hao Luo
The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Lei Fan
The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xinyu Tian
The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Anguo Tang
The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Xiaofeng Wu
The Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, The Medical Research Center for Cow Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Ke Dong
Sichuan Yuqiang Herbal Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 611130, China
Zhetong Su
Guangxi Innovates Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Lipu 546600, China
Saponins are extracted from different parts of plants such as seeds, roots, stems, and leaves and have a variety of biological activities including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory effects, and hypoglycemic properties. They demonstrate inherent low immunogenicity and possess the capacity to effectively regulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Plant saponins can promote the growth and development of the body’s immune organs through a variety of signaling pathways, regulate the activity of a variety of immune cells, and increase the secretion of immune-related cytokines and antigen-specific antibodies, thereby exerting the role of immune activity. However, the chemical structure of plant saponins determines its certain hemolytic and cytotoxicity. With the development of science and technology, these disadvantages can be avoided or reduced by certain technical means. In recent years, there has been a significant surge in interest surrounding the investigation of plant saponins as immunomodulators. Consequently, the objective of this review is to thoroughly examine the immunomodulatory properties of plant saponins and elucidate their potential mechanisms, with the intention of offering a valuable point of reference for subsequent research and advancement within this domain.
