The synthesis of Rantes, G-CSF, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-13 in human whole-blood cultures is modulated by an extract from Eleutherococcus senticosus L. roots

• Published in: Phytotherapy research Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 268 - 270
• Main Authors: Schmolz, M. W., Sacher, F., Aicher, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.05.2001; Wiley
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Chemokine CCL5 - biosynthesis; Chemokine CCL5 - blood; cytokines; Eleutherococcus; Eleutherococcus senticosus; Female; General pharmacology; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor - biosynthesis; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor - blood; herbal extract; Humans; immune system; Immune System - drug effects; immuno-modulation; Interleukin-12 - biosynthesis; Interleukin-12 - blood; Interleukin-6 - biosynthesis; Interleukin-6 - blood; Interleukins - biosynthesis; Interleukins - blood; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pharmacognosy. Homeopathy. Health food; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Roots; Plants, Medicinal; whole-blood cultures; Human; Cell culture; Healthy subject; Root; Immunomodulation; Leukocyte; Pharmacognosy; Cytokine; Interleukin 12; Interleukin 13; In vitro; Biological activity; Medicinal plant; Interleukin 6; Whole blood; Granulocyte colony stimulating factor; Interleukin 4; Interleukin 5; Plant origin
• ISSN: 0951-418X; 1099-1573
• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.746

An ethanol extract derived from the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus was found to influence markedly the cytokine synthesis of activated whole blood cultures of ten healthy volunteers. Whereas the synthesis of Rantes was increased over a wide range of concentrations, the release of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐12 was significantly inhibited. An inhibition at higher concentrations, switching to a stimulation at lower doses of the extract was seen with G‐CSF, IL‐6 and IL‐13. From these particular immuno‐pharmacological effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus we suggest this herbal preparation possesses immuno‐modulatory potency, rather than just being immuno‐suppressive or ‐stimulating. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.