Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Murine Model of Epicutaneously-Induced Immunomodulation
Published on: June 24, 2025
Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang) and mangiferin modulate mouse humoral immune responses
1Laboratorio de Farmacología, Centro de Química Farmacéutica, Ciudad de la Habana (Havana City), Cuba.
Abstract:
The present study investigated the effects of orally administered Vimang (an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica) and mangiferin (the major polyphenol present in Vimang) on mouse antibody responses induced by inoculation with spores of microsporidian parasites. Inoculation induced specific antibody production with an exponential timecourse, peaking after about one month. Vimang significantly inhibited this antibody production from about three weeks post-inoculation, and most markedly by four weeks post-inoculation; by contrast, mangiferin had no significant effect. Determination of Ig isotypes showed that the IgM to IgG switch began about four weeks post-inoculation, with IgG2a predominating. Vimang significantly inhibited IgG production, but had no effect on IgM. Mangiferin did no affect either IgM or IgG2a, but significantly enhanced production of IgG1 and IgG2b. Neither Vimang nor mangiferin enhanced specific antibody secretion by splenic plasma cells from mice inoculated with microsporidian spores, whether administered in vivo before serum extraction or in vitro to the culture medium. Inoculation with spores induced splenomegaly, which was significantly reduced by Vimang and significantly enhanced by mangiferin. These results suggest that components of Mangifera indica extracts may be of potential value for modulating the humoral response in different immunopathological disorders.
Insights
Vimang, an extract of Mangifera indica, significantly inhibited microsporidian-induced antibody production in mice, while its component mangiferin did not. Vimang reduced IgG but not IgM, suggesting potential immunomodulatory applications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- Microsporidian parasite infections can trigger specific antibody responses.
- Mangifera indica extract (Vimang) and its main polyphenol mangiferin are investigated for immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Vimang and mangiferin on mouse antibody responses to microsporidian parasites.
- To determine the impact on immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes and splenomegaly.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated with microsporidian spores.
- Oral administration of Vimang or mangiferin.
- Antibody production (IgM, IgG isotypes) and splenomegaly were measured.
Main Results:
- Vimang significantly inhibited overall antibody production and IgG, but not IgM.
- Mangiferin did not affect antibody production but enhanced IgG1 and IgG2b.
- Vimang reduced splenomegaly, while mangiferin enhanced it.
Conclusions:
- Vimang modulates the humoral immune response by inhibiting IgG production.
- Mangifera indica components may have potential for managing immunopathological disorders.
- Differential effects of Vimang and mangiferin highlight the complexity of natural product immunomodulation.
