Cucurbita moschataDuch. and its active component, β-carotene effectively promote the immune responses through the activation of splenocytes and macrophages

Abstract

Cucurbita moschata Duch. has long been used for traditional health food in many countries. However, to enhance the immune system of Cucurbita moschata Duch. and its major component, β-carotene is not clear. Here, we determined the immune enhancement effect of Cucurbita moschata Duch. and β-carotene in mouse splenocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. We prepared baked Cucurbita moschata Duch. (Sweetme Sweet Pumpkin(TM), SSP) and steamed Cucurbita moschata Duch. (SC). Splenocytes isolated from the spleen of BALB/c mice were treated with SSP, SC, and β-carotene for 24 h. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with recombinant interferon-γ (rIFN-γ) for 6 h before treatment with SSP, SC, or β-carotene. SSP, SC and β-carotene significantly up-regulated the proliferation of splenocyte and mRNA expression of KI-67. The levels of interleukin-2 and IFN-γ were up-regulated by SSP, SC, or β-carotene in the splenocytes. SC and β-carotene also increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the splenocytes. In addition, SSP, SC, or β-carotene significantly increased the levels of TNF-α through the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor-κB and phosphorylation of IκBα in the rIFN-γ-primed RAW 264.7 cells. These data indicate that Cucurbita moschata Duch. and β-carotene may have an immune-enhancing effect through the production of Th1 cytokines by activation of splenocytes and macrophages.

The Efficacy of a Formula Food for Preventing Postoperative Recurrence in a Tumor Dormancy Model

“…Some of the components of Wushen, including β-carotene, melatonin, lutein, choline, procyanidin, spinacene, anthocyanin, and zeaxanthine, were previously reported to exert antioxidant and immuneenhancing effects (supplementary Table 1 and 2). For instance, β-carotene can promote immune responses through the activation of splenocytes and macrophages [18]. Melatonin modulates a wide range of physiological functions with pleiotropic effects on the immune system.…”

Antiviral activity of macrophage‐activating Chinese mixed herb hot water extract

“…Cucurbita moschata induces IFN and cytokine production and was added to MACH extract with the aim of enhancing the regulation of living organisms by combining herbal medicines that have historically been used safely . MACH extract was effective in reducing the mortality rate of Marsupenaeus japonicus (kuruma shrimp) after a challenge with White spot syndrome virus (WSSA) .…”

“…Macrophage‐activating Chinese mixed herb (MACH) extract is a hot‐water decoction of Cucurbita moschata (pumpkin seed), Carthamus tinctorius (safflower flower), Plantago asiatica (psyllium seed), and Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle flower). Cucurbita moschata has an immune‐enhancing effect via the production of T‐helper (Th)1 cytokines (interleukin (IL)‐2, tumor necrosis factor (TFN)‐α, and interferon (IFN)‐γ) by activation of splenocytes and macrophages . In animals, it induces the phagocytic activity of hemocytes in kuruma prawns .…”

Water extract of tendril of Cucurbita Moschata Duch. suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by down-regulating p38 and ERK signaling

“…Cucurbita Moschata Duch. has long been considered a health food in many countries such as Mexico, India, China, Brazil, and Korea [12]. Cucurbita Moschata Duch.…”