Abstract: AIM: To study the immune function of air plant in mice. METHODS: 80 % and 50 % ( water extract of air plant were given to mice ( ig ), and the spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 production and bone marrow proliferation were observed. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the lymphocyte proliferation increased significantly in air plant group ( 8 g·kg^-1, ig ) ( P <0. 01), and IL-2 production increased obviously ( P <0. 05). There were not obvious effects on the proliferation of bone marrow. Low dose ( 5 g·kg^-1, ig ) of air plant did not show such effects. CONCLUSION: Air plant can enhance immune function in mice.

Key words: air plant, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2, bone marrow, mice