Regulation of TH1/TH2 cytokine production by Chungsim-Yeunja-Tang in patients with cerebral infarction

Chungsim-Yeunja-Tang is a prescription for the Taeumin cerebral infarction (CI) patients according to Sasang constitutional philosophy. Taeumin patients with CI were treated with CY-Tang during the acute stage. Clinical signs of CI disappeared markedly in about 2 weeks after oral administration of CY-Tang in all patients. The mean interleukin (IL)-2 plasma levels were slightly lower in the patients with CI than in the normal groups, whereas the mean TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and IgE levels were significantly higher in the patients with CI. There were no significant differences in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels between the groups. Serum IFN-γ and IL-2 levels derived from T helper (Th) 1 cells were significantly elevated in the patients with CI by CY-Tang administration. Significant reduced plasma levels of IL-4 and IL-6 derived from Th2 cells and IgE were observed in the patients treated with CY-Tang. Plasma levels of TNF-α derived from Th1 significantly increased in the patients treated with CY-Tang. During the period of CY-Tang administration, there were no other adverse effects. The data indicate that CY-Tang has a good CI treatment effect, and that its action may be due to the regulation of cytokine production.