Immunomodulatory activities of methanol extract of the whole aerial part of Phyllantus niruri L

Hybrid Nanoparticles of Proanthocyanidins from Uncaria tomentosa Leaves: QTOF-ESI MS Characterization, Antioxidant Activity and Immune Cellular Response

Previous studies in Uncaria tomentosa have shown promising results concerning the characterization of polyphenols with leaves yielding more diverse proanthocyanidins and higher bioactivities values. However, the polyphenols-microbiota interaction at the colonic level and their catabolites avoid the beneficial effects that can be exerted by this medicinal plant when consumed. In this regard, a new generation of hybrid nanoparticles has demonstrated improvements in natural compounds’ activity by increasing their bioavailability. In this line, we report a detailed study of the characterization of a proanthocyanidin-enriched extract (PA-E) from U. tomentosa leaves from Costa Rica using UPLC-QTOF-ESI MS. Moreover, two types of hybrid nanoparticles, a polymeric-lipid (F-1) and a protein-lipid (F-2) loaded with PA-E were synthesized and their characterization was conducted by dynamic light scattering (DLS), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and encapsulation efficiency (%EE). In addition, in vitro release, antioxidant activity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) as well as in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction was evaluated. Results allowed the identification of 50 different compounds. The PA-E loaded nanoparticles F-1 and F-2 achieved encapsulation efficiency of ≥92%. The formulations exhibited porosity and spherical shapes with a size average of 26.1 ± 0.8 and 11.8 ± 3.3 nm for F-1 and F-2, respectively. PA-E increased its release rate from the nanoparticles compared to the free extract in water and antioxidant activity in an aqueous solution. In vivo, the delayed-type hypersensitive test shows the higher immune stimulation of the flavan-3-ols with higher molecular weight from U. tomentosa when administered as a nanoformulation, resulting in augmented antigen-specific responses. The present work constitutes to our knowledge, the first report on these bioactivities for proanthocyanidins from Uncaria tomentosa leaves when administrated by nanosystems, hence, enhancing the cellular response in mice, confirming their role in immune modulation.

Phytochemical Analysis and Immunomodulatory Potential on Diabetic-Infected Tuberculosis by Fruit Etlingera rubroloba A.D. Poulsen

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt; Etlingera rubroloba&lt;/i&gt; (&lt;i&gt;E. rubroloba&lt;/i&gt;) A.D. Poulsen is an endemic plant in South-East Sulawesi and is a newly discovered species. This plant is expected to have the potential as an immunomodulator in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which can prevent tuberculosis infection by increasing the phagocytic function of macrophage cells and interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract of the fruit of &lt;i&gt;E. rubroloba&lt;/i&gt; A.D. Poulsen using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was carried out. The immunomodulatory potential &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt; on BALB/c mice model DM was carried out by oral induction of TB antigen with extract dose, control positive, negative and normal groups. Furthermore, the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells can be seen with a microscope and the levels of IL-12 with the Elisa kit. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results showed the ethanol extract of the fruit of &lt;i&gt;E. rubroloba&lt;/i&gt; contained eight chemical compounds and had potential as immunomodulators in BALB/c DM mice induced by TB antigen by increasing the phagocytic activity of macrophage cells and levels of IL-12, which were significantly different from the negative control (p<0.05). &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The chemical composition of the ethanol extract of the fruit of &lt;i&gt;E. rubroloba&lt;/i&gt; has the potential as an immunomodulator in TB antigen-induced DM &lt;i&gt;in vivo&lt;/i&gt;.

<i>In vivo </i>Immunomodulatory Activity of Faloak Bark Extract (<i>Sterculia quadrifida </i>R.Br)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R.Br) is widely used as traditional medicine in Indonesia to improve stamina (reduce tiredness for heavy workers). However, no scientific reports so far on the immunomodulatory effect. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the bark of faloak as immunomodulatory agents by evaluating their effect on BALB/c mice lymphocytes proliferation, the activity of macrophage, nitric oxide production and the immunoglobulin G titer by in vivo techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Decoction of the faloak bark was used for the in vivo assay. BALB/c mice were divided into 5 dose groups, each consisting of 5 mice. One group was chosen as the baseline, 3 groups were used for the group treated with the test substance at doses of 7.5, 11.75 and 17.5 g kg-1 of body weight of mice (p.o) and a positive control group was treated with Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (PN) extract (Stimuno®) 0.585 g kg-1 b.wt., (p.o). The test samples were given every day. All mice were induced by hepatitis B vaccine at day 7 and 14. The activity of in vivo assay was determined at day 19. The activity of immunomodulatory effect is expressed in phagocytic capacity, phagocytosis index, nitric oxide, OD of lymphocyte proliferation and IgG titers.

RESULTS

The macrophage phagocytic capacity and phagocytosis index were significantly increased (p<0.05), nitric oxide production were altered significantly (p<0.05), but OD of lymphocyte proliferation and production of IgG titers were unchanged (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the faloak bark could increase the macrophages phagocytic activity, but no effect on lymphocyte cells and therefore did not influence the adaptive immune response.

An Insight Into the Modulatory Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Phyllanthus Species and Their Bioactive Metabolites on the Immune System

Phyllanthus species (family; Euphorbiaceae) have been intensively studied for their immunomodulating effects due to their wide-ranging uses to treat immune-related diseases in indigenous medicine, which are primarily lack of scientific basis. The focuses of this review are on the significance of Phyllanthus species and their bioactive metabolites particularly corilagin (1), geraniin (2), gallic acid (3), phyllanthin (4), hypophyllanthin (5), ellagic acid (6), phyltetralin (7), niranthin (8), catechin (9), quercetin (10), astragalin (11), and chebulagic acid (12) in the modulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems through various mechanisms and their possible therapeutic benefits for treatment of immune-related diseases. We have compiled all significant findings published in the literature, and the data were analyzed critically to provide perspectives and directions for future research for the plants as a prospective source of novel immunomodulating agents. Various Phyllanthus species particularly Phyllanthus amarus, Phyllanthus emblica, Phyllanthus niruri, and Phyllanthus urinaria have been documented to possess significant immunomodulatory effects. However, the possible challenges encountered by the application of extracts of various Phyllanthus species and their bioactive constituents as immunomodulators need to be addressed. Most reports on the biological and pharmacological studies of the plants were based on crude extracts. The extracts were not chemically characterized, and the contributions of their chemical constituents to the bioactivities were not identified. The underlying mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory effects of the Phyllanthus species were not indepthly studied due to limitations in terms of design, conduct, and interpretation. Extensive experimental and preclinical studies on the immunomodulating potential of Phyllanthus species should be carried out to provide sufficient data to prove that their traditional uses are inherently effective and safe and will allow clinical trials to be pursued for their further development as therapeutic agents to treat immune-related disorders.

Effects of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) administration on leukocyte profile of broiler chickens infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Meniran extract (Phyllanthus niruri L.) administration on leukocyte profile of broiler chickens infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Materials and Methods

Thirty broiler chickens, 21 days old were divided into five treatment groups. P0 (-): Chickens without any treatment; P0 (+), P1, P2, and P3: Chickens were infected with M. gallisepticum 10⁸ cells/ml/animal orally, then given no treatment, Meniran extract 60%, 62.5%, and 65% orally at a dose of 1 ml/kg body weight, respectively. The treatment of Meniran extract was given for 7 days.

Results

Leukocyte count with the lowest number showed in Group P0 (-) and Group P3 (p>0.05). Increased number of basophils was found in Group P0 (+), Group P1, and Group P2. The highest number of heterophils was found in Group P0 (+) and was significantly different from Group P0 to P3 (p<0.05). The same pattern was also seen in the number of lymphocytes in all treatment groups. The number of monocytes showed no significant difference between all treatment groups (p>0.05).

Discussion

Increased the number of leukocytes is often observed in inflammation due to general infections, trauma, or toxicity. Shifting in the number of heterophile or lymphocytes, an increase in the number of monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils may also be associated with various infectious or inflammatory conditions. Heterophils play a role as an antibacterial defense through several effective mechanisms. When infections and inflammation occur, the heterophils will increase to phagocytosis microbe.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that Meniran extract (P. niruri L.) at a dose of 65% can decrease the total number of leukocytes in broilers infected with M. gallisepticum.

Immunomodulatory activity of curcumin-entrapped poly d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles in mice

Background

Studies have shown that curcumin from Curcuma longa has a wide range of medicinal and immunomodulatory properties. These activities have, however, been hindered by its low bioavailability. Meanwhile, incorporation of nanoparticles has been shown to increase bioavailability of certain drugs. This study was, therefore, conducted to comparatively evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of free and nanoparticulate curcumin in mice.

Methods

Healthy albino mice were sensitized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and thereafter free and nanoparticulate curcumin were administered orally at doses of 5 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day for 10 days to the mice. The assessment of the immunomodulatory activity was carried out by determining the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses using hemagglutination and delayed-type hypersensitivity assays, respectively. Hematological components and some lymphoid organs of treated mice were further evaluated.

Results

The study showed that nanoparticulate curcumin stimulated higher early cell-mediated immune response at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg when compared to control. While nanoparticulate curcumin significantly stimulated primary humoral immune response with 9.00 ± 1.00 antibody titre (p < 0.05), the free curcumin suppressed the immunity with 3.33 ± 0.67 antibody titre when compared to control. Similar result was observed with secondary humoral antibody titres. Production of white blood cells and weight of the lymphoid organs were also enhanced in the groups that received 10 mg/kg nanocurcumin.

Conclusion

This work showed that poly d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid entrapped curcumin nanoparticle could increase bioavailability of curcumin for improved immunity.

Immunomodulatory activity of methanol leaf extracts of Cameroonian medicinal plants

BACKGROUND

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries and have become part of complementary medicine worldwide because of their health benefits. Some have been successfully used directly in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases or indirectly by stimulating the immune system. In the present study, the immunomodulatory activity of the methanol extracts of Adenocarpus mannii, Caucalis melanantha, Ocimum gratissimum, Asystasia intrusa and Clematis chinensis leaves was investigated.

METHODS

The extracts were prepared by maceration of dry leaves' powder in methanol. Phytochemical analysis was carried out by chemical reaction methods. The activity of plant extracts was evaluated in in vitro cell cultures by measuring their effect on nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages, the proliferation of lymphocytes and the cytotoxic effect on macrophages. The A. mannii extract was further evaluated at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight in mice for the stimulation of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions and the ability to reverse the myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide.

RESULTS

All the extract inhibited nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages, the highest activity was achieved with C. chinensis extract. However, these extracts did not significantly affect the viability of macrophages. A. mannii, A. intrusa and C. chinensis extracts exhibited stimulatory activity on peripheral blood lymphocytes, whereas C. melanantha and O. gratissimum extracts displayed inhibitory activity. In vivo, the A. mannii extract significantly increased the DTH reaction in mice from 50 mg/kg. This extract also showed a significant increase in the white blood cells and relative weight of the spleen and liver.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the A. mannii, C. melanantha, O. gratissimum, A. intrusa and C. chinensis methanol extracts possess immunomodulatory activity. This constitutes additional data on the well-known biological properties of these plants.