Enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effect of Schisanreae polysaccharide in 5-Fu treated Heps-bearing mice

Abstract Previous study indicated that the refined polysaccharide from Schisandra could improve the CTX-induced inhibition of T and B lymphocytes proliferation. Accordingly, the enhanced antitumor and reduced toxicity effects of a low molecular weight purified polysaccharide from Schisandra (SCPP11) were investigated in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) treated Heps-bearing mice. The results revealed that the SCPP11 (oral administration) exhibited a significant enhanced effect of antitumor activity when combined with 5-Fu. Moreover, a increased effect was also observed in boosting immunity functions when the Heps-bearing mice receiving SCPP11 combination with 5-Fu administration, including increased in thymus indexes and enhancing serum IL-2 and TNF-α secretion. In addition, SCPP11 could ameliorate the hematological and biochemical parameters changes induced by 5-Fu to normal level, and reduce the formation of MDA and enhance the activities of SOD in liver to against 5-Fu induced free radical damage. The above results suggested that the SCPP11 combined with 5-Fu presented enhanced effects on antitumor activity and the SCPP11 could attenuate the 5-Fu-induced toxicity effect. It could serve as a new and promising adjuvant for chemotherapy drugs.