Immunomodulatory effects of standardized extract of val. on cytokines, antibody and delayed-type hypersensitivity response in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recently, we have highlighted the immunomodulatory activity of Val. on phagocytosis ability. The current study was conducted to determine the immunomodulatory effects of the standardized extract of rhizomes by and studies.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The extract was standardized according to a guideline for herbal preparation. The extract was investigated for its immunomodulatory effects on gene expression of cytokines, cytokines and antibody production as well as delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. The gene expression of cytokines on lipopolysaccharide-induced-RAW 264.7 cells was analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The effect of the extract on DTH response was investigated by the paw edema method, meanwhile the effects of the extract on antibody and cytokine production from normal and cyclophosphamide-induced infected rats were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

FINDINGS/RESULTS: The extract of demonstrated an inhibitory effect on gene expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 as compared to lipopolysaccharide-induced cells. The extract also depicted inhibitory activity on IL-4 production as compared to the negative control. Whereas, the DTH response and production of immunoglobulin G from both groups after treatment with extract were higher than those of negative control ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The results indicated that the extract has immunomodulatory effects, emphasizing its potential to be developed as immunotherapeutic agent.