Barberry's ( Berberis integerrima ) ingredients suppress T-cell response and shift immune responses toward Th2: an in vitro study

Abstract

Aim:Food and medicinal applications of barberry date back to 2500 years ago. This study investigates Berberis integerrima impact on lymphocytic immune responses.Materials & methods:Balb/c splenocytes were treated by 0.001–1000 μg/ml of B. integerrimaaqueous and alcoholic extracts in presence of phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide mitogens. Cell proliferation was assayed and cytokines were measured using ELISA.Results:Both extracts suppressed proliferation of phytohemagglutinin stimulated splenocytes (as T cells), while alcoholic extract induced expansion of lipopolysaccharide activated cells (as B lymphocytes) and unstimulated cells (p < 0.05). Both barberry extracts suppressed IFN-γ production (p < 0.05) and enhanced IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β release from splenocytes (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Both extracts could suppress T-cell and enhance B-cell proliferation and shift immune responses toward Th2.

The effect of black barberry hydroalcoholic extract on immune mediators in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double–blind, controlled clinical trial

“…Although biological and therapeutic effects of barberry have been reported by other researchers in the past, its effect on the immune system is not properly investigated (Bhardwaj & Kaushik, 2012; Hosseinzadeh, Ramezani, Shafaei, & Taghiabadi, 2013). Previous studies in traditional and current medicine suggest that barberry has diverse effects on the immune system (Fateh, Dibazar, & Daneshmandi, 2015). Apparently, black barberry can change the cytokine production pattern in lymphocytes, suppress T‐cell proliferation, and enhance β‐cell expansion (Ho et al, 2009; L. Wang et al, 2012).…”

“…In this clinical trial, barberry extract was found to be effective in increasing IL‐10 levels in RA patients. Fateh et al reported that aqueous and alcoholic barberry extract enhanced IL‐10 and TGF‐β release from splenocytes (Fateh et al, 2015). It is suggested that barberry may shift the Th1/Th2 balance towards Th2 polarization, which means that it changes the cytokine release pattern and increases cytokines produced by Th2 or Tregs, such as IL‐10 (Chueh & Lin, 2012; Fateh et al, 2015; Lin & Lin, 2011).…”