Immunostimulatory effects of Curcuma longa L, Mulberry leaves, and Purple sweet potato extracts : Modulation of immune functions during murine leukemia virus infection

Abstract

Curcuma longa L(CL) is well‐known as oriental traditional medicinal plant. Curcumin, the active component of CL, is known to have a wide array of bioactivity including anti‐oxidant, antiinflammatory. Mulberry leaves(ML) improve immunity and influences anti‐inflammation function. Purple sweet potato(PSP) is also well known anti‐inflammatory. LP‐BM5 murine leukemia virus induces immune dysfunction leading to B cell leukemia and murine AIDS with cytokine dysregulation. The purpose of this study was the effects of CL, ML, and PSP extracts on immune dysfunction in a murine model of leukemia were investigated. Has been infected by a virus, the immune system collapsed, C57BL/6 mice for 12 weeks a diet containing CL, ML, and PSP extracts. CL ML, and PSP extracts were extracted by hot water, 10% EtOH and 80% EtOH, yielding respective extracts. These extracts are largely prevented the retrovirus induced splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, reduction in B and T cell proliferation, and suppression of Th 1 cytokines(IL‐2, IFN‐gamma) secretion. It also suppressed Th2 cytokines(TNF‐alpha, IL‐10) production, which was otherwise stimulated by retrovirus infection. In conclusion, these data suggest that immune dysfunction, induced by murine retrovirus infection, was largely prevented by CL, ML, and PSP extracts.