Immunomodulatory effects of Curcuma longa L. and Carthamus tinctorius L. on RAW 264.7 macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression C57BL/6 mouse models

Abstract

The present study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of extracts of Curcuma longa L. (CLE) and Carthamus tinctorius L. (CTE) on inflamed macrophages and immunosuppressed mouse models. RAW 264.7 Macrophage cells were treated with various concentrations of CLE, CTE, and CLE + CTE to observe cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) production. Results showed that all treatments inhibited NO production, with the CLE + CTE treatment showing the strongest inhibitory effect. Furthermore, expression levels of iNOS and COX-2 were more strongly downregulated by treatment with CLE + CTE via regulation of ERK 1/2 and p38 activation. Moreover, CLE + CTE significantly upregulated the viability of peritoneal cavity cells, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and NK cell-related cytokines expression. All treatments (CLE, CTE, CLE + CTE) upregulated body weights and NK cell activity. Taken together, our results provide scientific evidence for the synergic effect between CLE and CTE as a co-treatment for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Keywords

• Immunomodulatory effect
• Curcuma longa L.
• Carthamus tinctorius L.
• Anti-inflammation