Systemic lupus erythematosus commonly known as lupus is an intricate disorder with multiple organ involvement characterized primarily by inflammation caused due to deposition of immune-complexes formed by production of autoantibodies against nuclear, nucleolar as well as cytoplasmic self-antigens. Lack of availability of suitable treatments or treatments that are only symptomatic calls for investigation of possible modalities. Withania somnifera with its immunomodulatory properties is prescribed for arthritis in ayurveda. In the present study, the therapeutic effect of Withania somnifera pure root powder (at 1,000 and 500 mg/kg body weight) on pristane-induced Balb/c model of lupus was investigated to elucidate its remedial outcome on SLE. SLE-like symptoms are produced in the model of lupus: production of autoantibodies, proteinuria, nephritis as well as immune-complex deposition along with various other inflammatory markers such as formation of lipogranuloma, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Withania somnifera was found to have potent inhibitory effect on proteinuria, nephritis and other inflammatory markers. Humoral response, however, was found to be impervious. The potent reduction in inflammation in the present model of lupus suggests further investigation of this herb for its possible therapeutic use in SLE.

The immunosuppressive properties of an aqueous suspension of Withania somnifera (WS) root powder were investigated in a pristane induced female Balb/c model of a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) like disease. The course of disease is initiated by peritoneal inflammation caused by pristane which results in development of SLE like symptoms, i.e. autoantibody production, proteinuria, and nephritis within a period of five to six months. The model of SLE was established by injecting 0.5 mL of pristane intraperitoneally into female Balb/c mice (12-18 weeks old). WS root powder (500 mg and 1,000 mg per kg body weight) was administered orally from one month prior to disease induction and for the following 6 months. Parameters of inflammation like nitric oxide (NO), Interleukin 6 and tumour necrosis factor-α and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum and/or ascitic fluid were measured. Prophylactic administration of WS root powder (500 mg and 1,000 mg per kg body weight) potently inhibits the proinflammatory cytokines, NO, and ROS in the ascitic fluid as well as in serum. Therefore, our results indicate a preventive effect of WS root powder on the mouse model of lupus.

Pristane-induced lupus in Balb/c mice represents an environmentally induced lupus model which is widely used for unravelling the mystery of the pathogenesis of the disease. An intraperitoneal innate immune reaction to pristane is primarily accountable for the development of the systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease in the model. In this study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were assessed (as a measure of chronic inflammation) in the peritoneum of the Balb/c model of SLE-like disease 6 months after a single intraperitoneal injection of pristane. Levels of ROS in peritoneal macrophages were significantly enhanced (mean fluorescence value  ±  SD: 648  ±  100.9) in pristane-treated mice (PT) as compared with control mice (mean fluorescence value  ±  SD: 79  ±  7.8) treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBST). An immunofluorescence study reveal the localization of ROS within nuclei, suggesting oxidative damage. Similarly, levels of NO were also markedly raised in PT mice (34.71 µmol/l  ±  8.48) as compared with PBST mice (1.36 nmol/l  ±  0.14). These new findings lead to speculation about the role of reactive intermediates in the development of disease. This study proposes that the sustained production of reactive intermediates during chronic intraperitoneal inflammation might reduce antioxidant defences and lead to a condition of oxidative stress, which might further be responsible for this autoimmune condition.

: Euglena, a microalga, has gained a great attention as it contains several bioactive compounds including food supplements, drugs and biofuels. The genus Euglena includes >300 species of unicellular, freshwater flagellates. The objective of this review article concerns the presentation of updated information on pharmacological and therapeutic properties and industrial implications of molecules isolated from Euglena species. A bibliographic search of scientific literature published till March, 2020 was made from scientific databases using different search engines.Euglenaproduces several antioxidant molecules, such as β-carotene, L-ascorbic acid, polymers of unsaturated fatty acids and phytotoxins useful in manufacturing many pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and nutraceutical compounds. It is a rich source of antimicrobial, anticancer, immunomodulatorycompounds.Though, several studies have indicated its therapeutic applications, extensive research is needed to explore its efficacy against many pathophysiological conditions including toxicity assessment of compound(s). Nevertheless, the biotechnological influence on industrial production of Euglena has been less exploited.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin, is known to induce inflammatory response and oxidative stress in rodents. We evaluated the protective role of Euglena tuba extract (ETME) against LPS induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in male Balb/c mice. Male Balb/c mice were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (control) were intraperitoneally administered 0.5 mL PBS. Group 2, 3 and 4 were treated with a single dose of LPS (i.p. 40 mg/kg body weight). Prior 1 h, Group 3 and 4 received orally 100 mg/kg body weight and 200 mg/kg body weight ETME respectively. Biomarkers of oxidative stress including TBARS, SOD, Catalase, Liver marker enzyme (SGPT and SGOT), Nitric Oxide, and inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α, were estimated in serum. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were significantly increased in the LPS treated group, whereas ETME treated group at different concentrations protected mice from pro inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Our results indicate that 70% methanolic extract of Euglena tuba can efficiently counteract free radical generation and increased level of inflammatory cytokine in an LPS induced mice model.