This invention is directed towards processes of making fractions from North American ginseng and to compositions containing these fractions. This invention is also directed towards methods of methods of preparing pharmaceuticals containing these fractions. Additionally, this invention is directed towards methods of stimulating the production of immunoglobins by administering fractions of this invention and also to methods of activating B-lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production by administering fractions of this invention. This invention is also directed towards a method of stimulating the production of IL-16, IL-1, and/or TNF-.alpha. in cells by administering a fraction of this invention.