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Effects of Prunella vulgaris on the mice immune function
Rui Huang1, Min Zhao, Xingfen Yang
1Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Prunella Vulgaris (P. vulgaris) on the immune function in mice. The mice were randomly divided into one control group and three treatment groups of 10 mice each. The control group received pure water and the treatment groups received P. vulgaris extract at concentrations of 0.15, 0.30 and 0.90 g/kg BW orally for 30 days, respectively. Changes in cell immune function, non-specific immunity and humoral immunity function were evaluated. Active lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subsets were determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Certain Serum concentrations of cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that, for cell immune function, compared with the control group, foot pad thickness in high dose group increased significantly (p<0.01), whereas no significant difference in the proliferative ability of splenic lymphocytes was observed among all groups (p>0.05). For non-specific immunity, NK cell activity increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner in P. vulgaris treated mice (p<0.01), mononuclear-macrophage function in medium and high dose P. vulgaris treated mice were significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). For humoral immunity, no significant differences were observed in terms of the half value of hemolysis (HC50), number of hemolytic plaques and serum IgG level (p>0.05). The percentage of active T and Th lymphocytes of mice peripheral blood in high dose group were significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ among all of the four groups (p>0.05). The data indicated that 0.90 g/kg BW P. vulgaris extract (equivalent to 7.5 g/kg BW crude drug) had some effect on cellular immune function and non-specific immune function in mice.
Insights
Prunella Vulgaris extract enhanced immune function in mice, significantly boosting NK cell activity and T lymphocyte percentages. High doses improved cellular immunity and non-specific defenses without affecting humoral immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Prunella vulgaris (P. vulgaris) is a plant with traditional medicinal uses.
- Understanding its impact on the immune system is crucial for validating its therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of P. vulgaris extract on cellular, non-specific, and humoral immune functions in mice.
- To determine dose-dependent responses to P. vulgaris administration.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered P. vulgaris extract orally at varying doses (0.15, 0.30, 0.90 g/kg BW) for 30 days.
- Immune function was assessed using foot pad thickness tests, splenic lymphocyte proliferation assays, Natural Killer (NK) cell activity assays, mononuclear-macrophage function tests, and analysis of T lymphocyte subsets via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
- Serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- P. vulgaris extract significantly increased foot pad thickness and NK cell activity in a dose-dependent manner.
- Mononuclear-macrophage function and the percentage of active T and Th lymphocytes were significantly elevated in mice receiving higher doses.
- No significant changes were observed in splenic lymphocyte proliferation, humoral immunity markers (hemolysis, hemolytic plaques, serum IgG), or key serum cytokine levels.
Conclusions:
- P. vulgaris extract, particularly at a high dose (0.90 g/kg BW), demonstrates immunomodulatory effects on cellular and non-specific immunity in mice.
- The findings suggest P. vulgaris has potential as an immune-boosting agent, warranting further investigation.
