Pokeweed mitogen (PWM)

Preliminary

Mechanism of Action

Pokeweed mitogen is a potent polyclonal activator of both B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. It binds to N-acetylglucosamine residues on cell surface glycoproteins, triggering lymphocyte proliferation and immunoglobulin production. PWM stimulates T-helper cells to produce cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6) that drive B-cell differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells. At very low doses, this mitogenic activity may contribute to poke root's traditional reputation as an immune stimulant and lymphatic activator.

Research Notes

Poke RootWestern

PWM is extensively used as a standard laboratory reagent in immunology for studying B-cell and T-cell proliferation, immunoglobulin class switching, and lymphocyte function. Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies have characterized its mitogenic properties. A 2003 review in Journal of Ethnopharmacology noted that the immunostimulatory properties of PWM may partially explain the traditional use of low-dose poke root preparations for chronic infections and glandular conditions, though clinical evidence for this application is absent.

Found In 1 Herb

Poke Root

Western

3D Molecular Structure

Lectin (mitogenic glycoprotein)

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Pokeweed mitogen (PWM)

Lectin (mitogenic glycoprotein)Bioactive phytochemical with therapeutic properties

Representative pattern: C₄H₂NO

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Hydrogen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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