Modifying effects of maharishi amrit kalash 4 and 5 on phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages in male icr mice.

A study was carried out to examine modifying effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash 4 (MAK 4) and Maharishi Amrit Kalash 5 (MAK 5) on phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages in male ICR mice. Mice at 4 week of age were divided into 3 groups: no treatment group (control), MAK 4 treated group (MAK 4 group) and MAK 5 treated group (MAK 5 group). MAK 4 and MAK 5 were given p.o. at 50 mg/kg per day (5 days/week) for 7 weeks. Phagocytic function of reticuloendothelial system evaluated by the carbon clearance was enhanced by the treatment of MAK 4 and MAK 5. Superoxide anion (O(2-)) production of peritoneal macrophages increased significantly in both MAK 4 and MAK 5 groups. The acid phosphatase activity of peritoneal macrophages increased significantly in MAK 4 group compared to the control group, but not in MAK 5 group. The activities of β-glucuronidase and lactate dehydrogenase in both MAK 4 and MAK 5 groups increased significantly when compared to the control group. These results suggest that MAK 4 and MAK 5 promote the phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages and have a stimulatory effect on macrophages.