In vitro immunomodulatory properties of a sesquiterpene lactone-bearing fraction from Artemisia khorassanica

Abstract

Artemisia species are important medicinal plants throughout the world. The present in vitro study, using a sesquiterpene lactone-bearing fraction prepared from Artemisia khorassanica (SLAK), sought to investigate immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory properties of this plant and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms for the actions. Effects of the SLAK on mitogen-induced murine splenocyte proliferation and interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion were evaluated. To assess anti-inflammatory activities, levels of inducible of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), as well as expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), in peritoneal macrophages was examined. The results showed that SLAK noticeably was capable of suppressing PHA/LPS-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and of up-regulating production of the T-helper (T_H)-2 cell cytokine IL-4 while down-regulating formation of T_H1 IFNγ. In addition, while SLAK caused negligible proliferation inhibition, peritoneal macrophages displayed considerable decrease in NO and PGE₂ production along with iNOS and COX-2 expression. The current experiment shows Artemisia khorasanica – a traditionally used herb – may have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. It is anticipated that the ingredients may be employed as therapeutic candidates in the regulation of some immune responses implicated in various conditions and ailments.

• Artemisia khorassanica
• balb/c mice
• peritoneal macrophage
• splenocyte

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This research was supported by the Research Council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS) vice president (Grant # 89401).