Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) Hemagglutinin Effect on Immune Response In Vivo

Abstract

Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) is used in traditional and conventional medicine. However, there is lack of data on the biological activities of primary plant metabolite lectins. The aim of our experiment was to find out how lectin LysM (lysine motif), which was previously purified, affects the immune response in vivo. Eight-week-old BALB/c male mice (n = 15) received four weekly 250 μg/kg peritonial injections of purified Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) roots’ LysM lectin. The control animal group (n = 15) received 50 μL peritoneal injections of fresh Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench) root tincture, and the negative control animal group (n = 15) received 50 μL peritoneal injections of physiological solution. At the fifth experimental week, the animals were sedated with carbon dioxide, and later euthanized by cervical dislocation, and then their blood and spleen samples were collected. The leukocytes’ formula and lymphocytes’ count was estimated in blood samples, the T lymphocytes’ density was evaluated in spleen zones. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference between each group was observed in the leukocytes’ formula (monocytes’ percentage, also little, medium and giant size lymphocytes). The purple coneflower fresh roots’ tincture significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the T lymphocytes’ quantity in peritoneal lymphoid sheaths (PALS) compared with the physiological solution injection’s group (p < 0.05) and the lectin injection’s group (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, lectin injections caused a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the T lymphocytes in a spleen PALS zone, compared with the physiological solution and tincture injection’s group. Our data suggests that LysM lectin acts as an immunostimulant, while fresh purple coneflower tincture causes immunosuppression.

Echinacea purpurea: An overview of mechanism, efficacy, and safety in pediatric upper respiratory infections and otitis media

“…In modern clinical practice, E. purpurea is utilized for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a popular over-the-counter remedy for URIs and OM. The bioactive compounds in E. purpurea, such as alkamides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects (Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė et al, 2021;Burlou-Nagy et al, 2022;Daley, 2019).…”

“…Furthermore, E. purpurea extracts have been found to stimulate mucosal immunity and reinforce the epithelial barrier function in the respiratory mucosa (Meeran et al, 2021). Through activation of immune cells such as dendritic cells and lymphocytes, E. purpurea enhances the secretion of mucosal immunoglobulins, strengthening the body's defense against respiratory pathogens (Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė et al, 2021;Declerck et al, 2021;Kim et al, 2021).…”

“…The plant has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples and later adopted by European settlers for its purported therapeutic properties, particularly in the treatment of respiratory infections, wounds, and immune-related conditions. E. purpurea is rich in bioactive compounds, including alkamides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are believed to contribute to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects (Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė et al, 2021;Burlou-Nagy et al, 2022;Daley, 2019). With the rise in pediatric URIs, scientists have increased the discovery of herbal medicines to improve treatment effectiveness.…”

Artikel Review: Aktivitas Imunomodulator Tanaman dari Suku Asteraceae

“…Senyawa aktif glikoprotein domain LysM memiliki aktivitas imunostimulan dengan menginduksi respon imun, penurunan neutrofil dan monosit dan peningkatan limfosit T pada limpa. Sedangkan imunosupresan pada senyawa caffeic, asam klorogenat, alkilamida, polisakarida dan lipopolisakarida dengan penurunkan limfosit T. 25 4.10. Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch.Bip.…”