The study aimed to evaluate the effects of mixed extracts of Hericium erinaceus and red ginseng on immune function activation. Splenocytes from Balb/c mice were used to assess the cytotoxicity and immune cell activity of Hericium erinaceus extract, Korean red ginseng extract, and their mixed extract (HRM). The concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, and INF-γ were measured in various treatment groups. Hericium erinaceus extract showed cytotoxicity at high concentrations (HEE 400), with increased secretion of IL-2, IL-4, IL-12, and INF-γ in a concentration-dependent manner. Korean red ginseng extract and HRM also showed a concentration-dependent increase in these cytokines. Notably, IL-2, IL-4, and INF-γ were significantly higher in the RGE 400 and HRM 400 groups compared to the ConA group, and IL-12 was significantly higher in the RGE 400 group compared to the Normal and ConA groups. The study suggests that combined extracts of Koran Red ginseng and Hericium Erineceus may be more effective than single extracts in activating immune function, but further studies are needed to determine safety and human applicability.
Han et al. (Sun,) studied this question.