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Setlhare B, Letsoalo M, Nkabinde SA, Nkabinde M, Mzobe G, Mtshali A, Parveen S, Ngcobo S, Invernizzi L, Maharaj V, Ngcobo M, Gqaleni N. An in vitro study to elucidate the effects of product Nkabinde on immune response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1308913. [PMID: 38533263 PMCID: PMC10963514 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1308913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: A significant number of the South African population still rely on traditional medicines (TM) as their primary healthcare due to their belief in their holistic healing and immune-boosting properties. However, little to no scientific data is available on the effects of most TM products on cytokine and cellular biomarkers of the immune response. Here, we evaluated the impact of traditional medicine [Product Nkabinde (PN)] in inducing cellular and cytokine biomarkers of inflammation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from eight healthy volunteers. Methods: PN was supplied by a local Traditional Health Practitioner (THP). The IC50 (half maximum concentration) of the standardized extract on isolated PBMCs was established using the cell viability assay over 24 h of incubation. Luminex and flow cytometry assays were used to measure cytokine and cellular levels in PBMCs stimulated with PN and/or PHA over 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Results: The IC50 concentration of PN in treated PBMCs was established at 325.3 μg/mL. In the cellular activation assay, the percentages of CD38-HLA-DR + on total CD4+ T cells were significantly increased in PBMCs stimulated with PN compared to unstimulated controls after 24 h (p = 0.008). PN significantly induced the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p = 0.041); proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.003), TNF-α (p < 0.0001); and chemokine MIP-1β (p = 0.046) compared to the unstimulated control after 24 h. At 48 h incubation, the production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p = 0.034) and TNF-α (p = 0.011) were significantly induced following treatment with PN. Conclusion: We conclude that the PN possesses in vitro immunomodulatory properties that may influence immune and inflammatory responses. More studies using PN are needed to further understand key parameters mediating induction, expression, and regulation of the immune response in the context of pathogen-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boitumelo Setlhare
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Marothi Letsoalo
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Siphathimandla Authority Nkabinde
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Magugu Nkabinde
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gugulethu Mzobe
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sobia Parveen
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samukelisiwe Ngcobo
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Luke Invernizzi
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vinesh Maharaj
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mlungisi Ngcobo
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nceba Gqaleni
- Discipline of Traditional Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Españo E, Kim J, Kim JK. Utilization of Aloe Compounds in Combatting Viral Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050599. [PMID: 35631425 PMCID: PMC9145703 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants contain underutilized resources of compounds that can be employed to combat viral diseases. Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. (syn. Aloe barbadensis Mill.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and A. vera extracts have been reported to possess a huge breadth of pharmacological activities. Here, we discuss the potential of A. vera compounds as antivirals and immunomodulators for the treatment of viral diseases. In particular, we highlight the use of aloe emodin and acemannan as lead compounds that should be considered for further development in the management and prevention of viral diseases. Given the immunomodulatory capacity of A. vera compounds, especially those found in Aloe gel, we also put forward the idea that these compounds should be considered as adjuvants for viral vaccines. Lastly, we present some of the current limitations to the clinical applications of compounds from Aloe, especially from A. vera.
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