Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of functional foods, and in particular to an edible–medicinal homologous composition for enhancing immunity and a preparation method thereof. The composition comprises Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum sibiricum (Polygonatum), Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry. All ingredients of the composition provided by the present invention are substances with edible–medicinal homology, featuring mild action and high safety. The composition is characterized by "gentle warming and nourishing to replenish essence," coordinated regulation of yin–yang and qi–blood, reinforcing without causing dryness, and nourishing without being cloying. For populations with deficiency of "healthy qi" and insufficient congenital endowment, the composition can improve immune function and enhance immunity.

 

Claims

1. An edible–medicinal homologous composition for enhancing immunity, characterized in that the composition comprises Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry.

2. The composition according to Claim 1, characterized in that the amounts of raw materials are: Cistanche deserticola 10 g, Polygonatum 10 g, Dendrobium officinale 2 g, and mulberry 8 g.

3. A preparation method of the composition according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:

mixing Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry with water and soaking to obtain a soaked material;

decocting the soaked material obtained in Step 1), filtering and concentrating the decoction, and drying to form a dry powder, thereby obtaining the composition.

4. The preparation method according to Claim 3, characterized in that in Step 1), the mass ratio of the total mass of Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry to the mass of water is 1:10.

5. The preparation method according to Claim 3, characterized in that in Step 1), the soaking time is 2 hours.

6. The preparation method according to Claim 3, characterized in that in Step 2), the decoction conditions include two decoctions, 30 minutes each time.

7. The preparation method according to Claim 3, characterized in that in Step 2), the drying conditions include: combining the decoctions obtained from the two decoctions and filtering; concentrating the filtrate to obtain an extract; and drying the extract at 60°C until constant weight to obtain the composition.

8. Use of the composition according to Claim 1 or 2 in the preparation of a product for enhancing immunity.

9. A composition for enhancing immunity, comprising the composition according to Claim 1 or 2 and food-acceptable excipients.

10. The composition according to Claim 9, characterized in that the dosage form includes decoction, granules, pills, or capsules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of functional foods, and in particular to an edible–medicinal homologous composition for enhancing immunity and a preparation method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Subhealth is a common phenomenon in modern populations, mainly manifested by fatigue, lethargy, poor appetite, sleep disturbances, etc. Although it does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a disease, long-term subhealth can affect bodily functions, increase the risk of various diseases, and reduce quality of life. Immunity, as the body's ability to defend against external pathogens and maintain homeostasis, is closely associated with subhealth. The immune system function of subhealthy individuals is often in an imbalanced state, unable to effectively exert defensive and regulatory functions, thereby leading to persistent subhealth symptoms that are difficult to improve.

[0003] In the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theoretical system, there is no concept explicitly termed "subhealth." However, symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, and functional dysregulation are highly consistent with the TCM category of "deficiency of healthy qi and imbalance of yin and yang." TCM holds that health depends on "yin–yang balance and sufficient healthy qi." When healthy qi is deficient and yin–yang is imbalanced, a series of discomforts such as mental fatigue and physical tiredness may occur, corresponding to the subhealth state defined in modern medicine. The TCM concepts of "supporting healthy qi and consolidating the root" and "harmonizing yin and yang" provide an approach to improving subhealth: by regulating visceral functions, replenishing healthy qi, and harmonizing yin and yang, subhealth symptoms can be alleviated at the source.

 

Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an edible–medicinal homologous composition for enhancing immunity and a preparation method thereof. The composition provided by the present invention consists of edible–medicinal homologous substances, has mild action and no toxic or side effects, and features gentle warming and nourishing to replenish essence, coordinated regulation of yin–yang and qi–blood, reinforcement without dryness, and nourishment without being cloying. For populations with deficiency of healthy qi and insufficient congenital endowment, the composition can improve immune function and enhance immunity.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:
The present invention provides an edible–medicinal homologous composition for enhancing immunity, comprising Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry.

[0006] Preferably, the amounts of raw materials in the composition are: Cistanche deserticola 10 g, Polygonatum 10 g, Dendrobium officinale 2 g, and mulberry 8 g.

[0007] The present invention further provides a preparation method of the composition described above, comprising the following steps:

mixing Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry with water and soaking to obtain a soaked material;

decocting the soaked material obtained in Step 1), filtering and concentrating the decoction, and drying to form a dry powder, thereby obtaining the composition.

[0008] Preferably, in Step 1), the mass ratio of the total mass of Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry to the mass of water is 1:10.

[0009] Preferably, in Step 1), the soaking time is 2 hours.

[0010] Preferably, in Step 2), the decoction conditions include: two decoctions, 30 minutes each time.

[0011] Preferably, in Step 2), the drying conditions include: combining the decoctions obtained from the two decoctions and filtering; concentrating the filtrate to obtain an extract; and drying the extract at 60°C until constant weight to obtain the composition.

[0012] The present invention further provides use of the composition described above in preparing an immunity-enhancing product.

[0013] The present invention further provides an immunity-enhancing composition comprising the composition described above and food-acceptable excipients.

[0014] Preferably, the dosage form includes decoction, granules, pills, or capsules.

[0015] In TCM properties: Cistanche deserticola is sweet and salty in flavor and warm in nature; it tonifies kidney yang and benefits essence and blood, being warming but not drying. Polygonatum is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature; it tonifies qi and nourishes yin, strengthens the spleen, moistens the lung, and benefits the kidney, providing balanced tonification of the triple energizer. Together, they tonify both yin and yang and replenish kidney essence, serving as the monarch herbs. Dendrobium officinale is sweet and slightly cold; it benefits the stomach and generates fluids, nourishes yin, and clears heat. It assists Polygonatum in nourishing kidney yin and moistening the lung and stomach to support the acquired foundation, serving as the minister herb. Mulberry is sweet and slightly sour and cold; it nourishes yin and blood, generates fluids, and moistens dryness. It enters the heart, liver, and kidney channels, replenishing liver blood and kidney essence; as essence and blood share the same source, it strengthens the effect of replenishing essence, serving as the assistant herb. The whole formula gently warms and nourishes to replenish essence, coordinates yin–yang and qi–blood, reinforces without dryness, and nourishes without being cloying.

[0016] Beneficial Effects:
The composition provided by the present invention consists of edible–medicinal homologous substances, has mild action and no toxic or side effects, and features gentle warming and nourishing to replenish essence, coordinated regulation of yin–yang and qi–blood, reinforcement without dryness, and nourishment without being cloying. For populations with deficiency of healthy qi and insufficient congenital endowment, the composition can improve immune function and enhance immunity.

 

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly described below.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows the effect of the composition on immune organ indices in immunocompromised mice; A: spleen index; B: thymus index; *P<0.05, **P<0.01, compared with the control group; #P<0.05, ##P<0.01, compared with the model group.
FIG. 2 shows the effect of the composition on peripheral blood leukocytes in immunocompromised mice; *P<0.05, **P<0.01, compared with the control group; #P<0.05, ##P<0.01, compared with the model group.
FIG. 3 shows the effect of the composition on bone marrow nucleated cells in immunocompromised mice; *P<0.05, **P<0.01, compared with the control group; #P<0.05, ##P<0.01, compared with the model group.
FIG. 4 shows the effect of the composition on macrophage phagocytic capacity in immunocompromised mice; *P<0.05, **P<0.01, compared with the control group; #P<0.05, ##P<0.01, compared with the model group.
FIG. 5 shows the effect of the composition on immunoglobulins and cytokines in peripheral blood of immunocompromised mice; *P<0.05, **P<0.01, compared with the control group; #P<0.05, ##P<0.01, compared with the model group.

 

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0019] The present invention provides an immunity-enhancing composition comprising Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry. In the present invention, the amounts of raw materials are: Cistanche deserticola 10 g, Polygonatum 10 g, Dendrobium officinale 2 g, and mulberry 8 g. Preferred sources of the raw materials are as follows: Polygonatum is preferably a specialty medicinal material; Dendrobium officinale is preferably a genuine medicinal material; Cistanche deserticola and mulberry are preferably commercially available medicinal materials.

[0020] The present invention further provides a preparation method of the above composition, comprising the following steps:

mixing Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry with water and soaking to obtain a soaked material;

decocting the soaked material obtained in Step 1), filtering and concentrating the decoction, and drying to form a dry powder to obtain the composition.

[0021] In the present invention, the raw materials are mixed with water and soaked to obtain a soaked material. Preferably, the mass ratio of the total mass of Cistanche deserticola, Polygonatum, Dendrobium officinale, and mulberry to water is 1:10. Preferably, the soaking time is 2 hours.

[0022] The soaked material is then decocted; the decoction is filtered and concentrated and then dried into a dry powder to obtain the composition. Preferably, the decoction conditions include two decoctions, 30 minutes each time. Preferably, the drying conditions include: combining the decoctions from the two decoctions and filtering; concentrating the filtrate to obtain an extract; and drying the extract in an oven at 60°C until constant weight to obtain the composition.

[0023] The present invention further provides use of the above composition in preparing an immunity-enhancing product.

[0024] The present invention further provides an immunity-enhancing composition comprising the above composition and food-acceptable excipients. Preferably, the dosage form includes decoction, granules, pills, or capsules. The preparation methods for the above dosage forms are not particularly limited and may be prepared by conventional methods.

[0025] To further illustrate the present invention, the following examples describe the present invention in detail; however, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

 

Example

An edible–medicinal homologous composition for enhancing immunity and its preparation method comprise the following steps:

Mix Cistanche deserticola 10 g, Polygonatum 10 g, Dendrobium officinale 2 g, and mulberry 8 g with water at a total-materials-to-water mass ratio of 1:10, and soak for 2 hours to obtain a soaked material.

Decoction: decoct the soaked material. Filter and concentrate the decoction and then dry into a dry powder to obtain the composition. The decoction is carried out twice, 30 minutes each time. Combine the decoctions from the two decoctions and filter; concentrate the filtrate using a rotary evaporator to obtain an extract; dry the extract in an oven at 60°C until constant weight to obtain the composition.

 

Cistanche Base In Xinjiang

Click the picture to get more details

 

 

Functional Verification Test

[0027] Prepare a solution of the composition powder obtained in the Example with purified water to a concentration of 180 mg/mL. Prepare cyclophosphamide (Cyclophosphamide, CTX) with normal saline to a concentration of 12.5 mg/mL.

[0028] Animals: 18 SPF-grade healthy male BALB/c mice, body weight 25 g, 7–8 weeks old. After 3 days of acclimatization, the mice were randomly divided into 3 groups.

Control group: intraperitoneal injection of normal saline at the same volume as the model group for 4 consecutive days.

Model group: intraperitoneal injection of CTX (50 mg/kg) for 4 consecutive days.

Composition (Drug) group: intraperitoneal injection of CTX (50 mg/kg) and, 4 hours later, oral gavage of the composition solution (0.8 g/kg) for 4 consecutive days. From Day 5, the Drug group continued receiving the composition solution by gavage for 28 consecutive days; the Control and Model groups received the same volume of purified water by gavage.

After the final administration, mice were fasted overnight for 12 hours. The next morning, body weight was measured. Blood was collected by orbital blood sampling under anesthesia, followed by cervical dislocation. Spleen, thymus, and other biological materials were collected for index testing.

Index Measurements

[0029] 1. Spleen index and thymus index
After dissection, spleen and thymus were weighed. The spleen index and thymus index were calculated as the ratio of organ weight to body weight.

[0030] 2. Peripheral blood leukocyte count
Collect 200 μL of whole blood into an EDTA anticoagulant tube, invert to mix, and immediately measure using an automated hematology analyzer.

[0031] 3. Bone marrow nucleated cell concentration
Flush mouse bone marrow with Hank's solution into an EDTA anticoagulant tube. Transfer 20 μL of bone marrow suspension into a new centrifuge tube and add 0.38 mL hydrochloric acid; mix well. Load 20 μL onto a hemocytometer for nucleated cell counting.

[0032] Collect whole blood and centrifuge at 3000 r/min for 15 min to obtain serum. Determine the mass concentrations of IgG, IgM, IFN-γ, and IL-10 in serum according to the ELISA kit instructions.

[0033] 4. Macrophage phagocytic capacity
Inject India ink via the tail vein (10 mL/kg). Collect 20 μL of blood from the orbital venous plexus at 2 min and 10 min after injection and add into 2 mL of 0.1% sodium carbonate solution. Mix well and measure absorbance at 600 nm, then calculate the phagocytic index.

[0034]

κ=(lg⁡OD1−lg⁡OD2)/(t2−t1)\kappa = ( \lg OD_1 - \lg OD_2 ) / ( t_2 - t_1 )κ=(lgOD1​−lgOD2​)/(t2​−t1​)

α=(κ1/3BM)/(LM+SM)\alpha = ( \kappa^{1/3} BM ) / ( LM + SM )α=(κ1/3BM)/(LM+SM)

Where: κ\kappaκ is the carbon clearance index; α\alphaα is the phagocytic index; OD1OD_1OD1​ is the absorbance at t1t_1t1​ (2 min); OD2OD_2OD2​ is the absorbance at t2t_2t2​ (10 min); BMBMBM is body mass (g); LMLMLM is liver mass (g); and SMSMSM is spleen mass (g).

[0035] 5. Peripheral blood immunoglobulins and cytokines
Collect whole blood and centrifuge at 3000 r/min for 15 min to obtain serum. Determine the mass concentrations of IgG, IgM, IFN-γ, and IL-10 in serum according to the ELISA kit instructions.

 

Results and Analysis

[0036] (1) Effect on immune organ indices in immunocompromised mice
As shown in FIG. 1, the spleen index (A) and thymus index (B) in the Model group were significantly decreased compared with the Control group, indicating that CTX caused severe damage to immune organs and that the immunocompromised mouse model was successfully established. After intervention with the composition, both spleen index and thymus index increased significantly, indicating that the composition alleviated immunosuppression and enhanced immune function to a certain extent.

[0037] (2) Effect on peripheral blood leukocytes
As shown in FIG. 2, peripheral blood leukocytes in the Model group were significantly lower than in the Control group. Leukocyte count in the Drug group was significantly higher than in the Model group and recovered to the level of the Control group, indicating that the composition can increase peripheral leukocyte counts and enhance immune function in immunosuppressed mice.

[0038] (3) Effect on bone marrow nucleated cells
As shown in FIG. 3, the number of bone marrow nucleated cells in the Model group was significantly reduced compared with the Control group. After intervention with the composition, the Drug group showed a marked improvement and was comparable to the Control group, suggesting that the composition can improve bone marrow suppression.

[0039] (4) Effect on macrophage phagocytic capacity
As shown in FIG. 4, compared with the Control group, the phagocytic index of the Model group was significantly decreased. Compared with the Model group, the Drug group showed a significantly increased phagocytic index, indicating that the composition can enhance macrophage phagocytosis.

[0040] (5) Effect on immunoglobulins and cytokines in peripheral blood
As shown in FIG. 5, serum IgG and IgM levels in the Model group were significantly lower than in the Control group. After intervention with the composition, IgG and IgM levels significantly increased, indicating improved immune function. The concentration of IFN-γ in peripheral blood of the Model group was significantly lower than that of the Control group, while IFN-γ in the Drug group was significantly higher than in the Model group. In contrast, IL-10 concentration in the Model group was significantly higher than in the Control group, whereas IL-10 in the Drug group was significantly lower than in the Model group. These results indicate that the composition has a pronounced improving effect on immunocompromised mice.

[0041] In summary, the composition can significantly improve immune organ function in immunocompromised mice by increasing spleen and thymus indices and repairing CTX-induced immune organ injury. It can increase peripheral blood leukocytes and bone marrow nucleated cells, alleviating bone marrow suppression; enhance macrophage phagocytosis; and regulate levels of peripheral blood immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-10), thereby correcting immune imbalance and enhancing immune function.

[0042] Although the above embodiments describe the present invention in detail, they are only some embodiments rather than all embodiments. Other embodiments may be obtained based on the present embodiments without creative effort, and all such embodiments fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.