Capsicum chinense Jacq. fruit plays an immunomodulatory role in cytokine attenuation and DNA damage protection.

Abstract

Capsicum chinense (C. chinense) Jacq., recognized for its bioactive compounds, has attracted interest due to its possible immunomodulatory and DNA-damage-protective effects. This study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and DNA protection abilities of organic extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) from C. chinense. The immunomodulatory effects were evaluated in Long Evans rats induced with SRBC. At the same time, the anti-inflammatory potential was investigated in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by quantifying pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-β, and IL-6. Protective activity against DNA damage was assessed using a method that induces damage with a Fenton reagent. Cytotoxicity was tested on the Hela cell line to gauge the cellular effects of the extracts. The results demonstrated that higher doses (200 mg) of C. chinense methanol extract inhibited immune responses, whereas lower doses helped restore them. The extracts significantly decreased pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-activated macrophages. Both petroleum ether and methanol extracts showed higher cytotoxicity against Hela cells compared to the ethyl acetate extract. The protein levels recorded in the serological parameters were 5.74 ± 0.19, 5.36 ± 0.11, 5.74 ± 0.26, 6.02 ± 0.16, 6.18 ± 0.18, and 6.22 ± 0.20 gm/dL for NC, DC, ML, MLMExCC100, MLMExCC200, and MExCC100, respectively. These findings suggest that C. chinense extracts possess strong immunomodulatory effects and potential protection against DNA damage, supporting their therapeutic application in regulating the innate immunity system.