Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Natural Product Formulations on Murine Dendritic Cells

Abstract

The popularity and availability of herbal extracts has increased dramatically over the last decade, providing an inexpensive manner of self-medication. Although the efficacy of individual extracts is currently being intensively studied, research regarding complex mixtures is limited. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of three complex formulations including BRC-301, a polyherbal extract; BRC-304, a mixture of vitamins, minerals, antioxidant enzymes, botanical extracts and carotenoids; and BRC-306, a proprietary blend of Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) and Phytolens ® on murine dendritic cells (DCs). We hypothesized that these formulations would decrease the inflammatory responsiveness and innate function of DCs. To address this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of BRC-301, 304, and 306 on DC2.4 cells and further assessed the effects of BRC-301 on bone marrow-derived DCs (bmDCs). LPS stimulation of DC2.4 cells and bmDCs induced production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6, a response that was modulated by concomitant treatment with non-cytotoxic concentrations of BRC-301. In contrast, only the production of NO or IL-6 by LPS-activated DC2.4 cells was affected by BRC-304 or BRC-306, respectively. Flow cytometric evaluation following concurrent BRC-301 and LPS treatment revealed an increased relative expression of CD11c, CD86, and CD54 on bmDCs and an increased frequency of bmDCs expressing MHC II. Finally, BRC-301 enhanced the uptake of FITC-conjugated ovalbumin by bmDCs. Taken together, these results suggest that these commercially available formulations modulate the innate responsiveness of murine DCs and may enhance their ability to initiate T cellmediated immunity.

Modulation of dendritic cell immune functions by plant components

“…The effect of Plantago asiatica L. (ES-PL) seeds, a traditional Chinese medicine, was found to increase levels of MHC class II molecules and major co-stimulatory molecules on DCs, suggesting it may enhance antigen presenting abilities to primed T lymphocytes indicating functional maturation of DCs [ 24 ]. BRC-301 (a polyherbal extract), BRC-304 (a mixture of vitamins, minerals, antioxidant enzymes, botanical extracts, and carotenoids), and BRC-306 [a trademarked blend of Uncaria tomentosa (cat’s claw) and Phytolens] were found to affect the innate responsiveness of murine DCs and enhance their ability to stimulate T-cell-mediated immunity [ 25 ].…”

Effect of Skin Lipid Barrier Formation on Hataedock Treatment with Douchi

“…is an herbal medicine that can radiate the heat of the body for reducing heat. Recently it has been reported that the isoflavone component of soybean plants alleviates inflammatory symptoms of the skin caused by heat 16,17) . In particular, 7, 3', 4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone, a major metabolite of daidzein and genistein, has been reported to maintain the homeostasis of the skin barrier by increasing the expression of filaggrin in NC/Nga mice induced atopic dermatitis 13) .…”

The immunoregulatory effects of Chinese herbal medicine on the maturation and function of dendritic cells

“…BRC-301, a polyherbal extract, could modulate LPSinduced production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in DC2.4 cells and BM-DCs, and enhanced the uptake of FITC-conjugated ovalbumin by BM-DCs (Miller et al, 2011). IBS-20, a 20-herb Chinese medicinal formula, or the component herb Coptis chinensis Franch.…”