<i>In Vitro</i> Testing of African Traditional Medicines for Cytotoxic, Immune Modulatory and Anti-HIV Activities

Abstract

African Traditional Medicines (ATMs) serve as a major source of primary healthcare for African people. The reasons for their use range from easy access, affordability, beliefs in traditional systems and long term safety. ATMs have been used to treat individuals infected with HIV and therefore need scientific validation; a view supported by Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity, immune modulatory and anti-HIV activities of traditional multiple herbal preparations from local THPs. Ugambu, Ihashi, Product Nene, Product Blue, SPNa and SDKc ATM were supplied by local THPs. Changes in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) & glutathione (GSH) over 24 hours were measured using luminometry. Changes in 12 cytokines were assayed using an ELISA-based absorbance assay. Protective effects against HIV killing of MT-4 cells were tested using the XTT assay and antiviral activity was measured using an HIV-1 viral load assay. Cyclosporine and AZT were used as positive controls. Ugambu, Ihashi, Product Nene and SDKc induced a dose dependent toxicity on treated PBMCs by reducing ATP and GSH at high doses (p< 0.001). These medicinal preparations, along with SPNa, showed immunomodulatory activity by significantly (p< 0.001) changing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Product Blue stimulated the levels of ATP and GSH in treated PBMCs at all doses however this product did not show any immunomodulatory activity on cytokine secretion when compared to control cells. Ugambu, Ihashi, Product Nene showed promising anti-HIV activity relative to AZT (p< 0.01). This study has shown that some of these traditional medicinal preparations have at least one or all the properties of immunostimulation, immunomodulation or antiretroviral effects. The mechanism of action of the shown activities should further be investigated.

Protective Effect of Panax notoginseng Root Water Extract against Influenza A Virus Infection by Enhancing Antiviral Interferon-Mediated Immune Responses and Natural Killer Cell Activity

“…Against this background, many researchers have been studying herbs or natural products with immunomodulatory activity with the goal of overcoming influenza virus infection ( 15 , 18 , 43 , 44 ). Thus, in this study, we performed a study on IRF3, TBK1, and STAT1 protein phosphorylation in PNR-treated RAW264.7 cells to determine the effect of PNR on the activation of type-I IFN signaling molecules.…”

“…Through nutritional supplements, it may be possible to strengthen the antiviral host defense response, which could be effective in the body’s resistance to influenza. Accordingly, many researchers have searched for herbal medicines or natural products with immunomodulatory activities to overcome influenza virus infection ( 15 , 18 , 43 , 44 ). We investigated PNR-inducing signal molecules that activate antiviral mediators such as type-I IFNs, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NK cell activity.…”

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effects of a South African commercial traditional immune booster in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…Commercial products based on traditional knowledge have not only tapped the traditional theories of tonics but also have other added claims such as immune enhancing properties and antimicrobial activities defined as per the Western biomedical concepts. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has also fueled the demand, with many patients using the so-called immune boosters that are sold commercially [ 3 , 4 ]. The increased use of herbal plants and traditional medicine formulations necessitates development of a mechanism for rapid evaluation of the medicinal applications of these products.…”

Evaluation of cytotoxic, antiviral effect and mutagenic potential of a micronutrient combination in vitro cell culture

“…A drug or combination being tested for antiviral activity should also be tested for cytotoxic activities to single out the concentrations of a chemical which produce antiviral effect yet do not produce cytotoxicity (Gqaleni et al 2012).…”