Porphyra tenera Extracts Have Immune Stimulation Activity via Increasing Cytokines in Mouse Primary Splenocytes and RAW264.7 Macrophages

Abstract

Porphyra tenera has long been consumed as food in Korea and Asia. The effects of Porphyra tenera extracts on the immune system are largely unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the immune-stimulating effects of ethanol and water extracts of P. tenera. The immunomodulatory potential of P. tenera was evaluated by determining its effect on cell viability and cytokine expression of mouse RAW264.7 cells and splenocytes. We investigated the effect of 10% ethanol extracts of laver (P. tenera) on the RAW264.7 cells. Production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-2, and IL-4, inducible NO synthase, and interferon-γ) in RAW264.7 macrophages was slightly higher after treatment with P. tenera extracts. Ethanol extracts upregulated and enhanced the functions of macrophages, such as NO and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-4, inducible NO synthase, and interferon-γ) production. In addition, cytokine concentrations were significantly increased in cells treated with different doses of P. tenera ethanol extracts compared to the control group. Overall, the results demonstrated that P. tenera extracts enhanced cytokine secretion in mouse splenocytes and macrophages. From these findings, it can be concluded that P. tenera possess a natural compound with immune-stimulatory activity. P. tenera extract is a good immunostimulant from natural compounds.