Induction of hemopoiesis by saenghyuldan, a mixture of Ginseng radix, Paeoniae radix alba, and Hominis placenta extracts.

AIM: To examine the efficacy of saenghyuldan and its components, Ginseng Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Hominis Placenta extracts (SHD, GR, PRA, and HP, respectively) on the hemopoiesis in a myelosuppression model system. METHODS: Susceptibility to cyclophosphamide (CP) and S180 carcinoma was determined in SHD, GR, PRA, and HP-treated mice. Analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells was demonstrated by changes in cell types and histopathologic examination. The expression of cytokine mRNAs involved in hemopoiesis was examined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: SHD and its separated components (GR, HP, and PRA, respectively) significantly increased the survival in CP- and S180-treated mice. The hematology data demonstrated that all the agents augmented monocyte and leucocyte counts in the peripheral blood and increased bone marrow density and the ratio of leukocyte to erythrocyte in the bone marrow. These findings were positively correlated with the up-regulation of cytokine mRNA expression such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), erythropoietin (EPO), thrombopoietin (TPO), stem cell factor (SCF), and c-Kit. CONCLUSION: SHD is an effective remedy for the bone marrow failure and myelosuppression occurring during chemotherapy.