Related Experiment Videos
Immunosuppressive effects of Echinodorus macrophyllus aqueous extract
Amanda Chaves Pinto1, Giselle Cristine Gonçalves Rego, Alessandra Mendonça Siqueira
1Departamento de Bioquímica, do Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|February 13, 2007
Summary
The aqueous extract of Echinodorus macrophyllus (AEEm), or "chapéu de couro," suppresses immune responses. This finding supports its use for rheumatic diseases but warrants caution due to potential risks for immunodeficient individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Echinodorus macrophyllus, known as "chapéu de couro," is a Brazilian medicinal plant.
- Rheumatic diseases involve an overactive T and B lymphocyte response.
- The plant's traditional use suggests immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Echinodorus macrophyllus (AEEm) on immune cell functions.
- To evaluate the impact of AEEm on lymphocyte proliferation and nitric oxide production.
- To determine the immunosuppressive potential of AEEm.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of AEEm to mice for 7 days.
- Assessment of B cell antibody production and T cell-mediated delayed type hypersensitivity.
- In vitro nitric oxide (NO) production assays using J774 cells.
Main Results:
- AEEm significantly inhibited B cell antibody production and T cell-mediated delayed type hypersensitivity.
- Reduced leukocyte infiltration in subcutaneous tissue was observed.
- AEEm dose-dependently inhibited NO production in J774 cells without cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the immunosuppressive effect of Echinodorus macrophyllus extract for the first time.
- AEEm shows potential for managing autoimmune rheumatic diseases with exacerbated immune responses.
- Caution is advised regarding its popular use, especially in individuals with immunodeficiency diseases.