Immune-Stimulatory and Therapeutic Activity of Tinospora cordifolia: Double-Edged Sword against Salmonellosis

Abstract

The present study was aimed at determining the activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Tinospora cordifolia (AETC and METC) against Salmonella typhimurium. In vitro anti-Salmonella activity of T. cordifolia was determined through the broth dilution and agar well diffusion assays. The immune-stimulating potential of AETC or METC was determined by measuring the cytokine levels in the culture supernatants of treated murine J774 macrophages. Antibacterial activity of AETC or METC was determined by treating S. typhimurium-infected macrophages and BALB/C mice. The toxicity of AETC or METC was determined by measuring the levels of liver inflammation markers aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and antioxidant enzymes. Macrophages treated with AETC or METC secreted greater levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β. METC showed greater activity against S. typhimurium infection in macrophages and mice as well. Treatment with METC resulted in increased survival and reduced bacterial load in S. typhimurium-infected mice. Moreover, METC or AETC treatment reduced the liver inflammation and rescued the levels of antioxidant enzymes in S. typhimurium-infected mice. The results of the present study suggest that the use of T. cordifolia may act as a double-edged sword in combating salmonellosis.

Tinospora Cordifolia Aqueous Extract Ameliorates the Systemic Infection of Aspergillus Fumigatus in Balb/C Mice

“…This stimulation of immune cells can play a very crucial role in combating the fungal infectious diseases. We have recently shown that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of T. cordifolia stimulate the secretion of important cytokines by macrophages that contribute to the elimination of S. typhimurium infection from mice [13]. The immunestimulating effect of T. cordifolia is also evident from the results of…”

“…T. cordifolia and its constituents have been shown to possess immunostimulating activities [13]. An α-D-glucan, a constituent found in T. cordifolia, has shown its efficacy in stimulating NK cells, B cells, and T cells with simultaneous production of various immune-stimulatory cytokines.…”

“…The plant was identified by Dr. Masihuzzama Khan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Unaizah, Qassim University. The stems were powdered and TCAE was prepared as described previously [13].…”

“…The antifungal activity of TCAE was determined using the agar well diffusion method [13]. Wells (8-mm diameter) were punched in the Khan agar.…”

“…It also controlled the drug-resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis by modulating the immune responses [12]. Recently, we showed that aqueous and methanolic extracts of T. cordifolia alleviated the Salmonella typhimurium infection in a mouse model [13].…”