Aqueous Extract of Lavender Demonstrates Immunomuodulatory Effects Through Activation of NFkb.

Abstract

Lavender flower is commonly used in teas, lotions and other commercial products, and the oil extract and several of its components have been shown to be beneficial in reduction of inflammation. However, the effects of the water soluble components of lavender flowers has not been examined. We hypothesized that aqueous components might also have immunomodulatory effects. In a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) we examined TNFa production and the downstream activation of NFkb associated with treatment with aqueous extract of lavender and its primary components, coumarin and herniarin. Unlike oil extract, treatment with aqueous extract for 24 hr resulted in a significant increase in TNFa. Downstream there was also a significant increase in IKK phosphorylation and an increase in NFkb translocation into the nucleus. Individual molecular components of the aqueous extract, herniarin and coumarin did not individually, or in combination, result in similar immunomodulation, and the immune stimulatory effects were not the result of contamination by exogenous endotoxins. We conclude that, similar to other plant derived teas, the aqueous extract of lavender may stimulate immune function, possibly via b‐glucans found in flowering components of the plant.Support or Funding InformationSupported by the Fort Lewis College Student Competitive Research Grant.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.