Appraisal of Immunological Impacts of Melaleuca leucadendra Extract over Macrophage Performance in Vitro

Abstract

This trial research was performed to discuss the immune-influence of Melaleuca leucadendra ‘paper-bark tree’ dried leaves which is an important medical plant known in many regions in the world. The leaves were dissolved in a mixture of (ethanol + water) (3:1) mixture, then filtered, evaporated and dried under reduced pressure to obtain leaves extract. The macrophages of blood derived origin were provided from rats and mixed with three different leaves extracts doses in tissue culture plates and incubated then stained with fluorescent acridine orange and examined under fluorescent microscope to assess the phagocytic and killing potency. The wells contents were aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide and interleukin-2 levels. The results displayed an obvious increase in phagocytic, killing performance as well as nitric oxide and IL-2 level production than control in a dose dependent manner. The obtained results suggested the immune-stimulant impact of the paper-bark tree leaves.