Activation of immunoresponder cells by the protein fraction from aged garlic extract

F-4, a protein fraction isolated from aged garlic extract strongly stimulates mice peritoneal macrophages in terms of glucose utilization and exhibits cytostatic activity in vitro. F-4 also has a mitogenic activity on spleen cells. In vivo, F-4 induced the stimulation of carbon clearance activity in mice. No obvious activities were observed in the low molecular fraction of aged garlic in these tests, but weak effects were found in the fructan fraction (F-3).