In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of an Extract from the Roots of Bupleurum rotundifolium

Abstract

Background: Some Bupleurum species, such as the Bupleurum chinense DC. or the Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd have been extensively studied (especially their roots) for the treatment of inflammation. In contrast, only compounds extracted from the aerial parts of Bupleurum rotundifolium have been studied and showed anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative activities. This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects of Bupleurum rotundifolium roots. Methods: To tackle the various aspects of inflammation, we studied in vitro a methanolic extract from the roots of Bupleurum rotundifolium on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), and the monocytic cells THP-1. Its antioxidant capacities and iron-chelating activity were assessed. The extract was tested on THP-1 differentiation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by leukocytes, neutrophils chemotaxis, cytokines, PGE2 production, and NF-κB activation in PBMCs. Results: The extract showed a decreased ROS production in stimulated cells. It increased PBMC chemokine secretion and up-regulated the differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into macrophage-like cells, indicating a potential interest of the extract in the resolution of acute inflammation. In addition, the analysis of cytokine production suggests that Bupleurum rotundifolium has immunomodulatory properties. Conclusions: Cytokines secretion, especially IL-1β and IL-12p70, provided us with a set of indicators suggesting that the extract might be able to drive the polarization of macrophages and lymphocytes toward a Th2 anti-inflammatory profile in excessive inflammation. Formal analysis, J.C.; Funding acquisition, P.C.; Investigation, J.C.

Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Bupleurum chinense DC

“…The main components of B. chinense are saikosaponins, sterols, volatile oils, fatty acids, and polysaccharides [3]. These components have anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, and immune functions, and pharmacological effects that prevent liver injury [4][5][6]. In recent years, the pharmacological functions of B. chinense have been explored continuously, because of which it is currently considered as a natural resource with important economic and medicinal value [7,8].…”

Comparative Analysis of the Complete Plastid Genome of Five Bupleurum Species and New Insights into DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship

“…[3]. There are many studies focused on chemical components [4,5] and pharmacognosy [6,7], but those involved in the systematics analyses are relatively few. Meanwhile, the mixed usage of different Bupleurum species may bring adverse reactions due to the unawareness of the chemical component [8,9].…”

Saikogenin F From Bupleurum smithii Ameliorates Learning and Memory Impairment via Antiinflammation Effect in an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model

“…Bupleurum plants have been shown to have good anti-inflammatory effects. 21 In this study, we isolated saikogenin F from B. smithii , and revealed that saikogenin F could ameliorate the learning and memory impairment of AD mice induced by Aβ. Saikogenin F inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory factors ROS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and microglial activation in mice brain.…”