Immunomodulatory Potential of the Industrialized Houttuynia cordata Fermentation Product In Vitro and in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Houttuynia cordata fermentation products (HCFPs) are produced and widely used as dietary supplements for health and immune support. However, the effect on immune function for these products has not been clearly demonstrated. In this study, soluble fractions of the selected HCFP were used for determination of the immunomodulatory potential, both in vitro and in animal models. Viability and proliferation of rat splenocytes and phagocytic activity of human neutrophils were evaluated. Studies on immunomodulatory effects, including hematological parameters, mitogen-driven lymphocyte proliferation and hemagglutination, were performed in both healthy and immunosuppressed rats. Soluble fraction of the selected HCFP significantly enhanced phagocytic activity of human neutrophils and tended to stimulate splenocyte viability and proliferation. There was no morbidity or mortality for administration of a 14-day regimen of the selected HCFP in both male and female rats. The healthy rats treated with HCFP gained body weight less than the control group, suggesting a reduction in calorie intake. Moreover, low dose of HCFP caused an increased B cell proliferation in ex-vivo, which was related to the increased antibody titer against SRBC in immunosuppressed rats. Our results indicate that the selected HCFP enhances the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils and augments the antibody production in immunosuppressed rats.

Protective Effects of Herba Houttuyniae Aqueous Extract against OVA-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation in Asthmatic Mice

“…Previous studies had demonstrated its obvious protective efects against various stimuli-induced lung discords, including infuenza infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even COVID-19 via mediating TLR4 activation, reducing oxidant stress, and directly inhibiting viral encode RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [17][18][19][20][21]. In addition, this herb exerted obvious immunomodulation through enhancing the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils and promoting lymphocyte proliferation [22], but the long-term treatment with herbal ethanol extract with the doses less than 250 mg/kg/day (equal to its clinical dosage) did not have signifcant hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats [23]. However, the active ingredients and therapeutic mechanisms of this herb are not clear.…”

Immunomodulatory Activity of Extracellular Vesicles of Kimchi-Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria (Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Latilactobacillus curvatus, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum)

“…Macrophages and splenocytes including T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, macrophages, etc., produce various inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 after activation [11,12]. Concanavalin A stimulates the proliferation of treated splenocytes (T cell mitogen), and the induced proliferation can be used as the primary model of T cell activation [13,14]. The microglia are the resident "macrophages" of the brain's innate immune system.…”