Immunomodulatory effect of shikonin derivatives isolated from Lithospermum canescens on cellular and humoral immunity in Balb/c mice.

ABSTRACT

The immunomodulatory activity of acetylshikonin (ACS) and isobutyrylshikonin (IBS) was studied in female and male inbred Balb/c mice, and in F1 hybrids (Balb/c x C3H). ACS and IBS were isolated from Lithospermum canescens Lehm. (Boraginaceae) roots. Splenocytes from mice fed 40 microg of ACS had higher proliferative potential in cultures with PHA than corresponding controls and also higher migratory in vitro activity than splenocytes obtained from control animals. ACS at a 40 microg daily dose stimulated G-v-H reaction but inhibited it at a 200 microg dose. IBS at a 40 microg dose significantly increased humoral response.