Effects of traditional oriental medicine on influenza virus infection:: Activating effect of Mao–Bushi–Saishin-To (MBST, Ma-Huang-Fu-Zi-Xin-Tang) on IgG antibody producibility in aged mice

Protection of influenza virus infection is mainly mediated by neutralizing immunoglobulins that bind to the virus strain-specific haemagglutinin. The IgG antibody is known to contribute mostly to virus neutralization. Age-related decline in immune responsiveness is characterized by a decrease in antibody production and a reduced ability of T lymphocytes. Our primary objective is to enhance IgG antibody production in aged mice. In this paper, we demonstrate that Mao–Bushi–Saishin-To (MBST, Ma-Huang-Fu-Zi-Xin-Tang) activates IgG antibody production and the T cell helper activity concerning IgG antibody production in aged mice. These results indicate that the use of MBST has important benefits to protect against influenza virus infection in elderly people.