AutoImmune 1

T-Helper cell modulator helps to stimulate a healthy immune response.

Autoimmune diseases can affect almost every organ and system in the body.

T-Helper cells play an essential role in the immune response. TH1 cells are involved in 'cell-mediated' innate immunity and TH2 cells involved in 'humoral' adaptive immunity. In autoimmune disorders, there is an imbalance in the TH cells with one being dominant. This formula contains herbs that will modulate the Th1 immune response, reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative

Interleukin functions

IL-10 is produced by CD4+, Tho, Thl, B-lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophil’s, monocytes, macrophages and keratinocytes. IL-10 has a diverse array of actions, which differ depending on cell type, nature of stimulus and the cellular microenvironment. Interleukin-10 has an important role in the inflammatory and immune systems (Lalani et al 1997).

IL-12 is essential for the generation of the auto reactive Th1 cells that induce encephalomyelitis (EAE), both in the presence and absence of interferon ϒ. The disease-promoting effects of IL-12 are antagonized by IL-10 produced by an antigen nonspecific CD4+ T cell (Segal et al 1998)

Continuous administration of anti-interleukin 10 (anti-IL-10) antibodies (Abs) to BALB/c mice modifies endogenous levels of autoantibodies, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α), and interferon gamma, three immune mediators known to affect the development of autoimmunity in "lupus-prone" mice. This protection against autoimmunity appeared to be due to an anti-IL-10- induced up regulation of endogenous TNF-alpha, since anti-IL-10- protected NZB/W F1 mice rapidly developed autoimmunity when neutralizing anti-TNF-alpha Abs were introduced (Ishida et al 1994).

Sedum sarmentosum / Chui pen cao

Research of Sedum Sarmentosum Bunge Extract on Immune and Antioxidative Functions in Mice

Sun Weidong, Hu Haitao, Qian Shanqing, Dai Xiaojun Wang Dejun. Zhong Wai Yi Liao. 2008; 27(31): 19-21

Abstract: Objective To investigate the immune and antioxidative effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Extract on experimental acute hepatic damage in mice. Methods: Injection of cyclophosphamide (Cy) inhibited the immune cellular activity of mice, and phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial and proliferation of lymphocytes were depressed. The immunologic effects of the drugs were observed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of blood and liver were recorded in mice with injection of D—galactosidase induced acute hepatic damage, the antioxidative effects of the drugs was observed. Results: Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Extract can enhance the proliferation of lymphocytes and the phagocytosis of the reticuloendothelial in mice with immunosuppression. And can enhance SOD activity, but lowered MDA concentrations. Conclusion: Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Extract can enhance the immune functions, of immunosuppressed mice and increase antioxidative functions of mice with acute hepatic damage.

Tanshinone II-A

Inhibition of interleukin-12 and interferon-γ production in immune cells by tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza


Kang BY, Chung SW, Kim SH, et al. Immunopharmacology. Volume 49, Issue 3, September 2000, Pp 355-61. doi:10.1016/S0162-3109(00)00256-3

Pharmacological control of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production may be a key therapeutic strategy for modulating immunological diseases dominated by Th1-derived cytokine responses. In this study, we investigated the effects of three different tanshinone pigments from Salvia miltiorrhiza (tanshinone I, dihydrotanshinone, and cryptotanshinone) on IL-12 production in mouse macrophages and on IFN-γ production in lymph node cells. All tested tanshinones significantly inhibited IL-12 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages and also IFN-γ production in keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-primed lymph node cells in a dose-dependent manner. Dihydrotanshinone was more effective than tanshinone I or cryptotanshinone. Tanshinones significantly inhibited the expression of IL-12 p40 gene at the mRNA level. Furthermore, tanshinones potently inhibited the promoter activation of IL-12 p40 gene and nuclear factor (NF)-κB binding to the κB site, suggesting that tanshinones may negatively regulate IL-12 production at the transcription level. These results may explain some known biological activities of tanshinones including their anti-inflammatory effect, and suggest a possible use of tanshinones in the treatment of immunological diseases dominated by Th1-derived cytokine responses.

Portulaca oleracea / Ma chi xian

The Effect of Purslane Mixture Extract on Immune Function of Mice with HSV-2

Wu Juan, Xie Ying. He Nan Zhong Yi Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 2007; 22(3): 25-27

Objective: To study the mechanism of immunological regulation and therapeutical effect of Purslane moisture extract on virus infectious diseases. Method: The model was established by HSV-2 infected mice pudendum and treated with Purslane mixture extract. Results: Purslane mixture extract had the function to improve lymphocyte conversion ratio and to improve secrete of interleukin -2 in spleen lymph leukocyte. Conclusion: Purslane mixture extract had the function to strengthen the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophage and to raise the weight of immune organ.

Effects of Portulaca Extracts towards Immunitive Function of Normal Rats

TANG Wei-jun, LU Xin-hua, HE Jun-shan, ZHU Xiang-zhong. Zhong Yi Yao Xue Kan. 2006; 24(5): 900-901

Objective: To observe the effects of portulaca extracts towards immunitive function of normal Rata. Methods: The effects of portulaca extracts towards normal rats on the function of macrophage cell in abdominal cavity, the formation of hemolysin and hemolysis void and transformation of hemolysis void were observed. Results: Portulaca extracts improved the devouring percentage and index of macrophage cell and promoted the formation of hemolysis and hemolysis void the transformation of lymphocyte. Conclusion: Portulaca extracts can improve the immunitive function.

Immune Effects of Polysaccharide from Portulaca oleracea on Mice With Tumor S180

Wang XiaoBo;Liu DianWu;Wang LiQin;Wang BenHua;Li XiaoRu;Xu LiQin. Tian Ran Chan Wu Yan Jiu Yu Kai Fa. 2005; 17(4): 453-456

Abstract: In order to evaluate the effects of Portulaca oleracea polysaccharide (POP) on immune effects in Sarcoma180, the POP was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation from Portulaca oleracea and was administered on the Sarcoma180 with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively by intraperitoneal injection (IP) for 10 d. The inhibition rate of tumor growth, lymphocyte Proliferation phagocytic activity and IL-I IL-2 were investigated. The POP could significantly inhibit tumor growth; the inhibition rates of tumor growth were 16.92, 51.45 and 64.96 (%). Compared with NS group, the POP increased lymphocyte transformation capacity Phagocytic activity and the IL-1 and IL-2 secretion. The POP has obvious antineoplastic effect, and the main mechanism is to enhance the immune function of Sarcoma180.

Effectiveness of Purslane in Improving Blood Glucose

It is found by experiments that the effectiveness of purslane in reducing the blood glucose and improving the syndrome of diabetic mice comes from its functions in preventing the damage of pancreatic islets cell and immune organs, repairing the injured pancreatic islets cell, and lowering down the blood fat, and so on (Ren et al, 2007).

Caesalpinia Sappan / Su mu

The effect of ethanol extracts of caesalpinia sappan L. on lymphocyte function in EAMG rats

LAI Cheng-hong, LI Zuo-xiao, JIA NG Ying-zheng, WU Yu-chuan. Zhong Guo Xian Dai Shen Jin Ji Bing Za Zhi. 205; 5(5): 330-333.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of caesalpinia sappan L. (C5) in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG), the changing patterns of T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte functions were observed in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rats with ethanol extracts of caesalpinia sappan L. Methods: Eighty rats were randomly divide into EAMG therapeutic group (n = 20), EAMG control group (n = 20), CFA adjuvant control group (n = 20) and normal control group (n : 20). The EAMG rats were multi-immunized by acetylcholine receptor (AChR) combined with complete Freud’s adjuvant (CFA), then the EAMG rat models were duplicated. Only CFA was administrated to the rats in CFA control group. All of the rats were identified by swimming test and electromyogram in 7-14 d after the last immunization. Each of the rats in EAMG therapeutic group was perfused CS extract 0.2 ml/d into stomach and 0.2 ml/d normal saline was per-fused into stomach of each rats in EAMG control, adjuvant control and normal control group since the fifteenth day after the last immunization. The perfusion was lasting 4 weeks, then the rats were sacrificed and the transformation function of T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte was measured by MTr colorimetry. Results: 1) Comparing the optic density (OD) value variety of T lymphocyte in each group, its value in EAMG control group (0.257±0.025) was much higher than that in CFA control group (0.147±0.022) and normal control group (0.154±0.017) (P<0.01); the OD in EAMG therapeutic group (0.174±0.040) was much lower than that in EAMG control group (P<0.01), but still higher than that in CFA control group and normal control group (P<0.05); no significant difference was found in between the CFA control group and normal control group (P> 0.05). 2) Comparing the OD value variety of B lymphocyte in each group, the OD value in EAMG control group (0.789±0.101) was much higher than that in CFA control group (0.502±0.125) and normal control group (0.493±0.09) (P<0.01); the OD value in EAMG therapeutic group (0.590±0.120) was much lower than that in EAMG control group (P<0.01) while it was still higher than that in CFA control group and normal control group(P<0.05); but no significant difference was found in between CFA control group and normal control group (P> 0.05). Conclusions: The mechanism of the caesalpinia sappan L. is able to down regulate the function of T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte and inhibit the specific immune reaction induced by N2 acetylcholine receptor antigen (Lai et al, 2005).

Anti-acute rejection effect and mechanism of ethanol extract of Caesalpinia sappan L in heart transplantation rats

Cui Lili, Yu Bo. Zhi Jiang Lin Chuang Yi Xue. 2006; 8(11): 1126-1127.

Objective: To study the Anti-acute rejection effect and mechanism of ethanol extract of Caesalpinia sappan L (EECSL) in heart transplantation rats. Methods: SD rat heart allografts were transplanted into the abdomen of wistar rats, which were treated by the oral route with olive oil, EECSL, cyclosperine(CsA), and CsA with the low dose of EECSL respectively. To examine median survival time (MST) of allograft, histological changes and perform immunohistochemical analysis for intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) protein expression, immunoenzymatical analysis for serum IL-4, IL-10 on days 3 and 7. Results: MST of SD heart allografts was significantly prolonged and pathologic lesion was relieved, the ICAM-1, VCAM-1 protein expression and the serum levels of IL-4, IL-10 were reduced in EECSL groups and CsA with the low dose of EECSL. Conclusion: Acute rejection of rat heart transplantation can be effectively suppressed by ethanol extract of C. sappan L.

Immunomodulation of Aqueous Extract of Lignum Sappan on Ulcerative Colitis

WANG Shu-min, LUO Yi-min. Nan Hua Da Xue Xue Bao: Yi Xue Ban: 2008; 36(4): 433-435.

Objective: To explore the regulation effect of hematoxylin on immunogenic reaction of rats suffered from UC by serum TLC subgroup, IgG and lysozyme level examination. Methods: The adults Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups, the models of UC (except the normal group) have been made by immune methods. Normal group and UC group were administered 0.9% NaC1 solution 2 mL(2 times a day). AELS groups were administered AELS solution 2 mL(2 times a day). These rats were killed after three weeks. All index were examined. Results: The CD4^+ 8 + levels in hematoxylin treatment groups was significantly lower than that of models controls. The IgG levels in hematoxylin treatment groups were significantly lower than that of the

The Immunologic Intervention of Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice with Extracts of Caesalpinia Sappan L.

LIU Xue-qin, YU Mei, BAI Feng-lou. Yi Yao Dao Bao. 2009; 28(4): 433-436.

Objective: To investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of the extracts of Caesalpinia sappan L (CS) on type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in NOD mice. Methods: Various doses of acetoacetate extracts and n-butanol extracts of CS (ECS and BCS)were administered into 4-week-old NOD mice orally to observe the effect on the onset of T1 DM. All animals were killed at the age of 28 weeks, and pancreas tissues were taken for histopathologic analysis. Spleen lymphocyte proliferation was detected by MTT method and the cytokine IFN-g and IL-10 in the culture supernatants of spleen lymphocyte was determined by ELISA analysis. Results: Both extracts were shown to dose-dependently decrease the incidence of T1DM significantly. Pancreatic tissues from ECS and BCS-treated mice revealed a marked reduction of insulin in the degree and severity compared with that in the control group. The proliferation of lymphocytes was decreased, while Th2 cytokine IL-10 was increased and Th1 cytokine IFN-g was increased. Conclusion: Acetoacetate extracts and n-butanol extracts of CS could confer protection to NOD mice from T1DM, and the mechanism may be related to restoring the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines in vivo.

Trichosanthin from Trichosanthes kirilowii / Tian hua fen

Effect of trichosanthin on suppressing human immunodeficiency virus 1 activity

ZHAO Qiao-yun, LI Zhi-dong, Song Ji-rong. Xi Bei Da Xue Xue Bao: Zi Ran Ke Xue Ban. 2006; 36(1): 85-88.

Aim: To detect the anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity of trichosanthin expressed by the means of biotechnology. Methods: Trichosanthin were put into the cells infected by HIV-1 and the activity of HIV P24 antigen and RT activity were detected. Results: It was found that the cells added into trichosanthin showed RT activity negative, P24 Ag negative and no representative cell pathomorphology change while the cells added into distilled water showed RT activity positive, P24 Ag positive and representative cell pathomorphology changed, and the cells added into zidovudine showed RT activity negative, P24 Ag negative and no representative cell pathomorphology change. Conclusion: Trichosanthin can inhibit human immunodeficiency virus 1 in vitro.

Cuscuta chinensis / Tu si zi

Experimental research on Cuscuta seed’s effect on mice immune system.

Zhang Qinping, Shi Senlin. Zhe Jiang Lin Chuang Yi Xue. 2006; 8(6): 568-569.

Objective: To explore the cuscuta seed’s effect on mice immune system. Methods: 50 mice were divided into 5 groups: negative control group, positive control group, low dose group, medium dose group, high dose. Coefficient of animal organs in all groups and phagocytosis function of macrophagocyte in abdomen cavity, cell multiplication of splenic lymphocyte, interleukin’s activity. Results: cuscuta seed could promote the growth of mice’s immune organs such as spleen and thymus gland (P<0.05) and improve the phagocytosis function of macrophagocyte(P<0.05);

References

Ishida H, Muchamuel T, Sakaguchi S, Andrade S, Menon S & Howard M. Continuous administration of anti-interleukin 10 antibodies delays onset of autoimmunity in NZB/W F1 mice. Journal of Experimental Medicine 1994;10.1084/jem.179.1.305.

Lalani I, Bhol K, Ahmed AR. Interleukin-10: biology, role in inflammation and autoimmunity. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997, Mar;80(3):A-6.

LIU Xue-qin, YU Mei, BAI Feng-lou. Yi Yao Dao Bao. 2009; 28(4): 433-436.

REN Jie, ZHOU Jian. Ke Ji Dao Bao. 2007; 25(5): 37-41

Segal B, Dwyer B, Shevach E. An Interleukin (IL)-10/IL-12 Immunoregulatory Circuit Controls Susceptibility to Autoimmune Disease. Journal of Experimental Medicine 1998; 10.1084/jem.187.4.537

Zhang Qinping, Shi Senlin. Zhe Jiang Lin Chuang Yi Xue. 2006; 8(6): 568-569.