[Effect of Astragalan on secretion of tumor necrosis factors in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells].

The extracts of Astragalus membranaceus have been further isolated by liquid chromatography. One of the fractions (Astragalan, M.W. 20,000-25,000) could enhance the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. After isolation of adherent and nonadherent mononuclear cells from PBMC, Astragalan increased the secretion of TNF-alpha and TNF-beta respectively. These results suggest further study of Astragalan would promote the application of Astragalan in cancer immunotherapy.