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Macrophage activation induced by Orbignya phalerata Mart.
Flávia R F Nascimento1, Elizabeth S B Barroqueiro, Ana Paula S Azevedo
1Department of Pathology, Federal University of Maranhão, s/n Campus Universitário do Bacanga, Integrado, Bloco I, São Luís, MA, Brasil. nascimentofrf@yahoo.com
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|September 13, 2005
Summary
Babassu mesocarp flour extract activates immune cells in mice, increasing cytotoxic metabolite production. This may explain its traditional use for tumor treatment, but not inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) mesocarp is traditionally used in Brazil for various ailments.
- Scientific validation of its medicinal properties, particularly its immunomodulatory effects, is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of babassu mesocarp flour aqueous extract (BM) in a mouse model.
- To assess BM's impact on peritoneal cellular migration and macrophage activation.
Main Methods:
- Mice were injected with BM (10 and 20 mg/kg) or treated with BM (100 microg/ml) in vitro.
- Assessed peritoneal cellular influx, macrophage spreading activity, and MHC class II expression.
- Measured nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release.
Main Results:
- BM significantly increased peritoneal cellular migration and macrophage spreading ability in vivo.
- BM induced increased expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II.
- BM stimulated the production of NO, H(2)O(2), and TNF by macrophages both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Babassu mesocarp flour extract activates peritoneal macrophages, enhancing the production of inflammatory and cytotoxic mediators.
- These findings support the traditional use of babassu for tumor treatment due to its cytotoxic potential.
- The extract's effect does not align with its traditional use for inflammatory pathologies.