Anti‐tumor and immunomodulation activity of polysaccharide from Paris polyphylla Smith var. chinensis in S180 tumor‐bearing mice

Abstract BACKGROUND Many Chinese patent drug and Chinese herbal formulas containing Paris polyphylla Smith var. chinensis are frequently utilized as complementary treatments in cancer, aiming to enhance efficacy and mitigate adverse reactions. Recent studies highlight the crucial function of herbal polysaccharides in anti‐tumor and immunomodulation activity. Yet, the specific impact of polysaccharides from Paris polyphylla (PPP) on tumor and immunity remains unclear. RESULTS The molecular weight of PPP was 10 692 Da. Furthermore, PPP is comprised of 10.29% mannose, 76.96% glucose, 7.26% galactose, and 5.49% arabinose. PPP significantly curtailed tumor proliferation in S180 tumor bearing mice. It not only enhanced the proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity of splenocytes in these mice but also boosted the secretion of cytokines. PPP administration also led to an increased messenger RNA expression of Th1 cytokines (IL‐2) and transcription factors (T‐bet and STAT4) in their splenocytes. Additionally, PPP enhances the expression of Th2 cytokines (IL‐4) and their associated transcription factors (GATA3 and STAT6) in the S180 tumor‐bearing model. Moreover, PPP enhanced the secretion of inflammatory factors and chemokines in tumor tissues. Moreover, PPP markedly elevated the protein expression of Caspase 3 and Caspase 8 in tumor tissues. CONCLUSION PPP effectively suppressed tumor growth by inducing balanced Th1/Th2 immune response, and reconstructing the tumor immune microenvironment in S180 tumor bearing mice. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.