METHOD TO ENHANCE INNATE IMMUNITY DEFENSE MECHANISMS BY TREATMENT WITH PLANT-DERIVED ALKALOIDS

摘要

The present invention relates to a method for enhancing innate immunity defense mechanisms of vertebrate animals including humans. In accordance with the present invention, innate immunity defenses are enhanced by the administration of plant-derived immunomodulators. These plant-derived immunomodulators may be plant tissues, plant extracts containing steroid-like glycoalkaloids, or plant-derived glycoalkaloids. The administration of these immunomodulators significantly augments the antimicrobial activities of the innate immune system. The glycoalkaloids useful for the present invention have the formula R-R<1>, wherein R is a mono-, di-, tri- or oligo-saccharide which may optionally be modified with pharmacological acceptable esters or ethers and R<1> is an aglycon or derivative as defined herein. Preferred plant-derived glycoalkaloids include solanine and chaconine.