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In Vitro Immunomodulatory Activity of Aqueous Quercus infectoria Gall Extract
Wan Abdul Wahab Wan-Nor-Amilah1, Mohd Latif Syifaa'-Liyana1, Yahya Azlina1
1School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Insights
Quercus infectoria gall extract enhances macrophage proliferation and phagocytic activity. It also significantly reduces nitric oxide (NO) production, suggesting potential immunomodulatory benefits for innate immune response regulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products
Background:
- The innate immune system is crucial for host defense.
- Immunomodulatory agents can regulate immune responses.
- Quercus infectoria gall is traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Quercus infectoria gall aqueous extract in vitro.
- To assess the extract's impact on murine macrophage functions.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage proliferation was evaluated using a proliferative assay.
- Phagocytic activity was measured by flow cytometry.
- Nitric oxide (NO) production was determined via Griess reaction.
- Cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-23, TGF-β1) were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Quercus infectoria gall extract significantly increased macrophage proliferation and phagocytic activity.
- A concentration of 64 μg/mL extract markedly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production (p < 0.001).
- Elevated levels of several cytokines were observed, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Quercus infectoria gall extract demonstrates potent immunomodulatory activity in vitro.
- The extract may enhance immune response regulation through cellular mechanisms.
- Further research could explore its therapeutic potential in immune-related conditions.
Objectives:
Our study reports the immunomodulatory potency of Quercus infectoria gall extract in vitro. The aqueous extract was prepared and examined for its effects on cell proliferation, phagocytic activity, nitric oxide (NO) production, and cytokine synthesis by murine macrophages.
Methods:
Proliferative, phagocytic activity, and NO production of extract-treated and control cells were studied using proliferative assay, flow cytometry, and Griess reaction, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the macrophage culture.
Results:
Treated macrophages had a higher proliferative rate and phagocytic activity compared to untreated macrophages. The cell treatment with an extract concentration of 64 μg/mL demonstrated a significant decrease in NO production (p < 0.001). An increase in cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-23, TGF-β1) was observed; however, this increase was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
Our study suggests that gall extract possesses the potential for augmenting immunomodulatory activity by cellular mediated mechanism and could play a role in regulating the innate immune response.
