Chinese yam polysaccharide enhances growth performance and cellular immune response in weanling rats

Abstract

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. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry