Investigation of the Dermal Sensitizing Potential of Traditional Medical Extracts in Local Lymph Node Assays

Abstract

Traditional medical extracts are commonly used as complex mixtures, which may contain naturally occurring contact sensitizers. In this investigation, the mice local lymph node assay (LLNA) was performed to evaluate the dermal sensitization potential of Myrrh, Borneolum, Olibanum, Moschus and Cassia Bark, which are widely used in topical traditional medication. In the radioactive LLNA, the stimulation index (SI) values were calculated for each medical extract. Myrrh, Borneolum, Olibanum and Moschus induced dose-dependent cell proliferation and SI was more than 3. Cassia Bark showed no positive response over the range of test concentrations. In the flow cytometry analysis, the total number of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells in local lymph nodes was increased in Moschus-, Olibanum-, Myrrh- and Borneolum-treated mice. The ratio of the B220(+)/CD3(+) (B/T cell ratio) and the percentage of I-A(k+) cells that was also positive for the CD69 marker (I-A(k+)/ CD69(+)) were increased in the Moschus-, Olibanum- and Myrrh-treated mice. However, no ofbvious change was observed in Borneolum-treated mice. Cassia Bark did not induce changes in the lymphocyte subpopulations. These results indicate that Moschus, Olibanum and Myrrh can be regarded as sensitizers, and Borneolum regarded as an irritant. Cassia Bark is neither a sensitizer nor an irritant. The combination of radioactive and flow cytometric LLNA can be used for the prediction of sensitizing potential of medical extracts which lead to allergic contact dermatitis in humans.

High resolution MRI for non-invasive mouse lymph node mapping

“…The major physical alteration induced by these tumors was the significant enlargement of the tumor-draining LNs. These enlarged LNs play active roles in tumor-induced lymph flow(Rudin et al, 2005; Lv et al, 2009). Thus, these methods may be useful not only for the identification and mapping of LNs but also for the diagnosis of tumor-associated changes in the LNs themselves.…”

Effect of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) on leukocyte levels before and during healing from gastric ulcer or skin injury

“…However, it needs to be noted that the Tipton studies only examined fibroblast and epithelial cell types, not total (or various subclasses of ) leukocytes. Furthermore, a very recent paper showed that, in fact, treatment (albeit dermally rather than as here, per os) with myrrh resulted in significant induction of a response in a local lymph node assay that used CBA mice (Lv et al, 2009). In those studies, the Investigators were able to clearly show that as a result of myrrh, B220 + to CD3 + cell ratios (reflecting B-/T-cell ratios) and percentages of I-A k+ cells also positive for CD69 (CD69 + ; indicative of activated antigen-presenting cells) were increased in treated mice.…”

Integrated Testing Strategy for the Safety of Botanical Ingredients: A Case Study with German Chamomile Constituents

“…Even the literature on safety assessment in animal models is quite scarce considering the predominance of botanical ingredients in cosmetics. [12][13][14] The exact chemical composition of German chamomile depends on several variables, including chemotypes and edaphic conditions. Both nonvolatile and volatile organic components (VOCs) can be found in cosmetic preparations, in the form of extracts or essential oils, respectively.…”