To explore the immunoregulatory function of peony seed proteolysis product in mice, the protein from peony seed meal was extracted and hydrolyzed with bromelain. The peony seed proteolysis product was fed to mice at three different doses of 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg for 21 days. The immunoregulation abilities of peony seed proteolysis product after each of these doses were evaluated in mice. Our results showed that all immune indices were higher in mice that had received a lavage with peony seed proteolysis product than in control mice. The immune indices of immune organs, delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH), phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages, serum hemolysin levels, lymphocyte proliferation (SI value), and levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the middle dose and high dose groups were significantly higher (p < .05) or extremely significant (p < .01) in comparison with the control group. These results indicate that the peony seed proteolysis product enhances immunological functions in mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Peony seed is rich in proteins and can be extracted and hydrolyzed using bromelain. The peony seed proteolysis product can enhance the nonspecific, humoral, and cellular immune responses. Thus, peony seed could be of potential value to obtain peony seed protein, which can be further developed and utilized in the manufacture of functional health products.
Keywords: immunoregulation; lavage; mice; peony seed proteolysis product.
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