Schisandra chinensis polysaccharides attenuate the growth of tuberculosis bacilli in rats via immunity enhancement

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Schisandrachinensis polysaccharides (SCPP11) on the growth of tuberculosis (TB) bacilli in a rat model. Methods: Tuberculosis (TB) was induced by administration of colonies of tubercle bacilli via the inhalation route. SCPP11 was administered at separate doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg to different rat groups, p.o., for 4 weeks. Untreated rats served as TB control. At the end of treatment, assessments were made on the effect of SCPP11 on colony forming unit (CFU), cytokine levels, and population of immune cells present in lung tissue homogenates of the TB-infected rats. Results: The CFU of TB bacilli was significantly reduced in the lung tissues of SCPP11-treated group, when compared to untreated TB control group. Moreover, SCPP11 attenuated lung tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines, and significantly enhanced immunity, relative to the TB control group. Conclusion: These results indicate that SCPP11 ameliorates TB by suppressing the growth of tuberculosis bacilli. Keywords: Schisandra chinensis , Polysaccharides, Immune cells, Tuberculosis bacilli, Cytokines