How to Naturally Support the Immune System in Inflammation-Essential Oils as Immune Boosters

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Yataprasen Thai Traditional Formulary and Its Active Compounds, Beta-Amyrin and Stigmasterol, in RAW264.7 and THP-1 Cells

Yataprasen (YTPS) remedy formulary, a national Thai traditional medicine formulary, comprises 13 herbal plants. It has been extensively prescribed to relieve osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain in the Thai traditional medicine healthcare system. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the bioactive compounds (β-amyrin and stigmasterol) of YTPS remedy formulary ethanolic extract, along with its composition. The YTPS formulary extract contains 70.30 nM of β-amyrin and 605.76 nM of stigmasterol. The YTPS formulary extract exhibited ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 144.50 ± 2.82 and 31.85 ± 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. The ethanolic extract of YTPS at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL showed a significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect, mainly by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α release in response to LPS. NO production was prominently lowered by 50% at 24.76 ± 1.48 µg/mL, 55.52 ± 24.40 µM, and more than 570 µM of YTPS formulary extract, β-amyrin, and stigmasterol, respectively. Major components of YTPS, β-amyrin, and stigmasterol exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α secretion in THP-1 cells. Our findings suggest that the ethanolic extract from YTPS holds promise as an alternative topical treatment for osteoarthritis and inflammatory disorders, potentially with fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Cang-ai volatile oil alleviates nasal inflammation via Th1/Th2 cell imbalance regulation in a rat model of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis

We previously revealed that Cang-ai volatile oil (CAVO) regulates T-cell activity, enhancing the immune response in people with chronic respiratory diseases. However, the effects of CAVO on allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been investigated. Herein, we established an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR rat model to determine these effects. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to OVA for 3 weeks. CAVO or loratadine (positive control) was given orally once daily for 2 weeks to OVA-exposed rats. Behavior modeling nasal allergies was observed. Nasal mucosa, serum, and spleen samples of AR rats were analyzed. CAVO treatment significantly reduced the number of nose rubs and sneezes, and ameliorated several hallmarks of nasal mucosa tissue remodeling: inflammation, eosinophilic infiltration, goblet cell metaplasia, and mast cell hyperplasia. CAVO administration markedly upregulated expressions of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-12, and downregulated expressions of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, immunoglobulin-E, and histamine. CAVO therapy also increased production of IFN-γ and T-helper type 1 (Th1)-specific T-box transcription factor (T-bet) of the cluster of differentiation-4+ T-cells in splenic lymphocytes, and protein and mRNA expressions of T-bet in nasal mucosa. In contrast, levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 and Th2-specific transcription factor GATA binding protein-3 were suppressed by CAVO. These cumulative findings demonstrate that CAVO therapy can alleviate AR by regulating the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells.

Microbiome-Metabolomic Analysis Revealed the Immunoprotective Effects of the Extract of Vanilla planifolia Andrew (EVPA) on Immunosuppressed Mice

This study investigated the immunoprotective effects of the extract of Vanilla planifolia Andrew (EVPA) on cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced immunosuppression in mice. The results show that EVPA administration significantly alleviated the immune damage induced by Cy, as evidenced by an improved body weight, organ index, and colonic injury. A further analysis of microbial diversity revealed that the EVPA primarily increased the abundance of the beneficial bacteria Verrucomicrobiota, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactobacillus while decreasing Akkermansiaceae, Akkermansia, Romboutsia, and Lactococcus, thereby ameliorating the microbial dysbiosis caused by Cy. A metabolomic analysis revealed significant alterations in the microbial metabolite levels after EVPA treatment, including urobilinogen, formamidopyrimidine nucleoside triphosphate, Cer (d18:1/18:0), pantetheine, and LysoPC (15:0/0:0). These altered metabolites are associated with pathways related to sphingolipid metabolism, carbapenem biosynthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and porphyrin metabolism. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between certain microbial groups and the differential metabolites. These findings provide new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of EVPA on the intestinal microbiota and metabolism, laying the foundation for more extensive utilization.

An Overview of Biofilm-Associated Infections and the Role of Phytochemicals and Nanomaterials in Their Control and Prevention

Biofilm formation is considered one of the primary virulence mechanisms in Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic species, particularly those responsible for chronic infections and promoting bacterial survival within the host. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in discovering new compounds capable of inhibiting biofilm formation. This is considered a promising antivirulence strategy that could potentially overcome antibiotic resistance issues. Effective antibiofilm agents should possess distinctive properties. They should be structurally unique, enable easy entry into cells, influence quorum sensing signaling, and synergize with other antibacterial agents. Many of these properties are found in both natural systems that are isolated from plants and in synthetic systems like nanoparticles and nanocomposites. In this review, we discuss the clinical nature of biofilm-associated infections and some of the mechanisms associated with their antibiotic tolerance. We focus on the advantages and efficacy of various natural and synthetic compounds as a new therapeutic approach to control bacterial biofilms and address multidrug resistance in bacteria.