ABSTRACT
Effects of Saussurea lappa root extracts prepared in ethanol according to the homeopathic principles were ssessed on leukocyte phagocytic activity, lymphocyte transformation and mitogen-induced interferon-gamma [INF-gamma] in the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of goats [PBMC] in vitro. Leukocyte phagocytic activity was measured by flow cytometry, lymphocyte proliferation by MTT and IFN-gamma level in cell culture supernatants was determined by ELISA. The results obtained demonstrated that all tests dilutions [D4, D6, D8] of Saussurea lappa in ethanol have exerted a stimulating effect on leukocyte phagocytic activity in dose-dependent manner. A 10 micro liters dose of Saussurea lappa of each dilution markedly enhanced phagocytic activity, while other does tested made only a feeble stimulating effect. The increase with 10 micro liter dose were found significantly [p<0.01] different between each dilution, maximal stimulationwas observed by D8 dilution. Different does [10 micro liters, 2 micro liters, 0.5 micro liters] of all test dilutions [D4, D6, D8] of Saussurea lappa in sterile 0.9% NaCl solution inhibited lymphocyte proliferation. Maximal inhibitory effect was observed with the 2 micro liter dose. Similarly, Saussurea lappa suppressed the secretion of IFN-gamma by mitoren-activated [PHA; 2.5 micro g/ml] of peripheral mononuclear cells in dose-dependent manner. In conclusion these findings suggest that enhanced leukocyte phagocytic activity may be helpful to clear the soluble immune complexes produced during a sustained immune response against self antigens which causes chronic inflammatory injury of tissue. On the other hand, inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-gamma by Saussurea lappa may contribute to suppress immune-mediated inflammatory reactions possibly through a cell-mediated cytokine pathway. Thus it is conceivable that ethanolic extracts of Saussurea lappa roots in homeopathetic dilutions may be considered as a potential candidate for therapeutic support in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders