In vitro and In Vivo Immunomodulatory Activity of Physalis angulata Concentrated Ethanolic Extract

Abstract

The need for new immunomodulatory drugs is due to the side effects associated with the prolonged use of the currently used immunomodulatory drugs. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of an ethanolic concentrated extract from Physalis angulata. The cytotoxicity of samples was determined using peritoneal macrophages though the Alamar Blue assay. The immunomodulatory activity of the ethanolic extract from P. angulata on activated macrophages was determined by measurement of nitrite and cytokine production. The immunosuppressive effects of the ethanolic extract from P. angulata was evaluated on lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. The effects of the extract on cell cycle progression and cell death on lymphocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry. Lastly, the ethanolic extract from P. angulata was tested in vivo in toxicological tests and in models of peritonitis and delayed-type hypersensitivity response. The ethanolic extract from P. angulata decreased nitrite, interleukin-6, interleukin-12, and TNF-α production by activated macrophages without affecting the cell viability. In addition, the ethanolic extract from P. angulata inhibited lymphoproliferation and the secretion of interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and IFN-γ, and increased interleukin-4 secretion by activated splenocytes. Flow cytometry analysis in lymphocyte cultures showed that treatment with the ethanolic extract from P. angulata induces cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase followed by cell death by apoptosis. Moreover, mice treated with the extract from P. angulata at 100 or 200 mg/kg did not show signs of toxicity or alterations in serum components. Finally, the ethanolic extract from P. angulata significantly reduced neutrophil migration and reduced paw edema in bovine serum albumin-induced the delayed-type hypersensitivity response model. Our results demonstrate the potential of the ethanolic extract of P. angulata as an alternative for the treatment of immune-inflammatory diseases.

Solidagenone from Solidago chilensis Meyen Protects against Acute Peritonitis and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Shock by Regulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway

“…BALB/c mice (males; 6–8 weeks old) were divided into six experimental groups ( n = 6) and treated orally with solidagenone (30, 60, or 90 mg/kg), dexamethasone (30 mg/kg), or vehicle (saline solution with 10% DMSO) 24 and 1 h before the challenge. Subsequently, the animals were challenged through an intraperitoneal injection of 250 μL of carrageenan (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA; 1 mg/mL; 250 μL), as previously described [ 39 ]. After 4 h, the mice were euthanized and peritoneal exudates were harvested by peritoneal lavage using a saline solution.…”

Therapeutic Applications of Physalins: Powerful Natural Weapons

“…In addition, chemical synthesis to obtain physalins needs to be better explored, since the purification of physalins from natural sources is a time-consuming, costly and not environmentally friendly process that results in a low yield. Due to the fast growth of the plants, which are annual herbs, an approach that has been investigated is the use of a physalis extract concentrated in the physalins, which has shown both low toxicity as well as pharmacological effects ( Nogueira et al, 2013 ; Meira et al, 2015 ; Daltro et al, 2020 ; Do Espírito Santo et al, 2021 ).…”

Development of Chloroplast Microsatellite Markers and Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Cutleaf Groundcherry (Physalis angulata L.) in China

“…P. angulata has high potential medicinal value and a very long history of being used in traditional medicines around the world. Recent phytochemical and pharmacological studies have confirmed that P. angulata is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and many important pharmacologically active constituents, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer ingredients [3][4][5][6]. In many countries, such as China, Indonesia, Peru, Mexico, and Brazil, P. angulata is often used to treat a variety of illnesses, including dermatitis, tracheitis, impaludism, rheumatism, hepatitis, and analogous conditions [7][8][9][10].…”