A multiherbal formulation influencing immune response in vitro

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of phytocomplexes of Uncaria, Shitake and Ribes in
terms of viability and inflammatory response on immune cell-derived cultures.
METHODS Standardized extracts of Uncaria, Shitake and Ribes and their commercial
formulation were tested on cell lines PBMC, U937 and macrophage,. The activity was
evaluated in terms of cell viability (MTT test), variations of oxidative markers release (ROS
and PGE2) and modulatory effects on immune response (RT-PCR expression of IL-6, IL-8
and TNF).
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PEER REVIEW COPY
EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA
Minerva Medica
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RESULTS Cell viability was not affected by extracts, except subtle variations observed only
at higher doses (>250Hg/ml). The extract mixture was well tolerated, with no effects on cell
viability up to doses of 500 μg/ml. Pre-treatment of macrophages with subtoxic doses of the
extracts reduced the basal release of oxidative markers and enhanced the cell response to
oxogenus oxidant stimulation, as revealed by ROS and PGE2 release reduction. The same
treatment on macrophage resulted in a selective modulation of the immune response, as
shown by an increase of IL-6 mRNA and, partially, IL-8 mRNA, while a reduction was
observed for TNF mRNA. Data confirm that extracts and their formulations can act as
regulator of the immune system with mechanisms involving the oxidative stress and the
release of selected proinflammatory cytokines.