Abstract
Houttuynia cordata fermentation products (HCFPs) are produced and widely used as dietary supplements for health and immune support. However, the effect on immune function for these products has not been clearly demonstrated. In this study, soluble fractions of the selected HCFP were used for determination of the immunomodulatory potential, both in vitro and in animal models. Viability and proliferation of rat splenocytes and phagocytic activity of human neutrophils were evaluated. Studies on immunomodulatory effects, including hematological parameters, mitogen-driven lymphocyte proliferation and hemagglutination, were performed in both healthy and immunosuppressed rats. Soluble fraction of the selected HCFP significantly enhanced phagocytic activity of human neutrophils and tended to stimulate splenocyte viability and proliferation. There was no morbidity or mortality for administration of a 14-day regimen of the selected HCFP in both male and female rats. The healthy rats treated with HCFP gained body weight less than the control group, suggesting a reduction in calorie intake. Moreover, low dose of HCFP caused an increased B cell proliferation in ex-vivo, which was related to the increased antibody titer against SRBC in immunosuppressed rats. Our results indicate that the selected HCFP enhances the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils and augments the antibody production in immunosuppressed rats.
Highlights
The immune system protects our body from environmental invaders and maintains the balance in health
Effect of Soluble Fraction (Lyophilized Powder) of Houttuynia cordata fermentation products (HCFPs) on In Vitro Phagocytic Activity of Phagocytic activity of human neutrophils to engulf C. albicans was determined to evaluate the effect of the soluble fraction of HCFP on relative phagocytosis efficiency
The phagocytic activity (%) of human neutrophils was increased in the presence of the soluble fraction at concentrations of 200 to 800 μg/mL when compared with a control group
Summary
The immune system protects our body from environmental invaders and maintains the balance in health. The immunostimulants, including medicines, chemicals, and natural products might improve immune responses through non-specific as well as specific defense mechanisms [1]. The major side effects caused by the frequent use of chemotherapeutic agents for immunomodulation include cytotoxicity to normal cells and immunosuppressive actions [2]. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is one of the most widely used anticancer agent and a potent immunosuppression drug that can inhibit both humoral and cell mediated immunity [3,4]. CTX is used to induce immunosuppression in animal models [5,6]. The administration of CTX induces immunosuppression and myelosuppression, which are occasionally life-threatening [7]. There has been a large increase in the number of studies focused on medicinal plants used in various traditional systems [8,9,10]
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