Chinese yam polysaccharide enhances growth performance and cellular immune response in weanling rats
Overview
Research
Identity
Additional Document Info
Other
View All
Overview
abstract
BACKGROUND: In order to develop a novel dietary additive for potential application in domestic animals and humans, a fraction of Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) was prepared and a study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with CYP on the immune response and growth performance in weanling rats. RESULTS: Dietary supplementation with CYP increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain but decreased the feed/gain ratio overall compared with the non-supplemented group. CYP also significantly increased the serum contents of interleukin-2 and tumour necrosis factor and the proliferation activity of peripheral lymphocytes but decreased the serum contents of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglyceride compared with the non-supplemented group. CONCLUSION: The increase in cellular immunity in CYP-supplemented weanling rats confers an important protective role in the non-specific defence against infections. This herbal polysaccharide, as a natural green dietary additive for promoting the immune response and healthy growth, may offer an effective alternative to antibiotics for weanling animals. 2009 Society of Chemical Industry.
