Immunological In Vivo and In Vitro Investigations of Aqueous Extract of Stem Bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir (Fabaceae)

Immunological Activities of Crude Polysaccharides Extracts of Climacodon pulcherrimus (Phanerochaetaceae) in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Rat Macrophages and Neutrophils' Responses

Mushroom contains a wide variety of components with high immune-modulating properties. Mushroom polysaccharides are known as immunocorrectors with wide areas of usage, which balance the immune system without resulting in the entire immune suppression or overreaction. To explore the potentially immunomodulatory role of Climacodon pulcherrimus, the present study was intended to evaluate the in vitro immunomodulatory activity of C. pulcherrimus polysaccharides (CPP) on rat neutrophils and macrophages. CPP was studied on lipopolysaccharide-induced neutrophils and macrophages' responses. The effect on phagocytosis, release of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), nitric oxide (NO), lysosomal enzyme release and neutrophil myeloperoxidase, and neutrophil adherence was assessed. The cytotoxicity of CPP against macrophages using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and neutral red inclusion assay was also assessed. ENPC (endopolysaccharides) markedly enhanced phagocytosis of macrophages and neutrophils, whereas the EXPC (exopolysaccharides) increased only that of neutrophils at 0.34 and 0.68 mg/mL. The production of NO evidently increased in ENPC- and EXPC-treated neutrophil and macrophage cultures. The production of ROI in a concentration-dependent manner increased in ENPC-treated (0.08-5.55 mg/mL) and EXPC-treated (0.17 and 0.34 mg/mL) macrophage cultures and ENPC-treated neutrophils, whereas it decreased in EXPC-treated neutrophils. The secretion of acid phosphatase increased in ENPC- and EXPC-treated macrophage and neutrophil cultures. Neutrophil myeloperoxidase release increased in EXPC-treated (5.55 mg/mL) cultures, whereas it decreased in ENPC-treated cultures. ENPC and EXPC increased the adhesion of neutrophils to microplate. These findings demonstrated that CPP displayed a dual mode of action, inhibiting or enhancing numerous phagocytic activities of macrophages and neutrophils.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) Leaf Diethyl Ether and Methanol Extracts on Salmonella typhi-Infected Mice and LPS-Induced Phagocytic Activities of Macrophages and Neutrophils

Infections due to Salmonella strains constitute one of the major health problems in humans, particularly in Africa. The use of traditional herbs has proven effective in reducing the incidence of infection in some high-risk groups. To assess the effects of Momordica charantia leaf extracts that influence blood infection, an in vitro study of the effect on macrophages and neutrophils and treatment of mouse model of S. typhi infection was done. Methanol and diethyl ether extracts were concerned by this study. In vitro study was to assess the effects of extracts on phagocytosis, and related intracellular killing mechanisms of macrophages were examined. Later, mobilization of leukocytes and production of antibodies against S. typhi were measured followed by quantitating cultures evaluation of the blood infection of orally inoculated mice with S. typhi. Ingestion or attachment of carbon particles, production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide, and that of lysosomal acid phosphatase by macrophages and neutrophils were significantly increased by methanol and diethyl extracts at concentrations ranging from 40 μg/ml to 640 μg/ml. Antibody titer and mobilization of leukocytes, particularly lymphocytes against S. typhi, were highly increased by both methanol and diethyl extracts at concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. At the same time, the extracts have reduced the rate of blood colonization in mice inoculated with 10⁸ CFU of S. typhi for 28 days. Reduction in blood colonization or infection rates was similar for the levamisole mice group. The results of this study should prove that the leaves of Momordica charantia are useful for the treatment of infections by Salmonella strains and for the assessment of drugs for therapeutic intervention.