Spleen content of selected polyphenols, splenocytes morphology and function in mice fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts during pregnancy and lactation

Abstract

The genus Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) consists of many species, growing mainly in Asia and traditionally used as adaptogens and anti-inflammatory drugs. In order to elaborate herbal immunostimulator which could be safely given to pregnant women, we performed a study on immunotropic effects of feeding pregnant and lactating mice Rhodiola kirilowii extracts. This paper presents the results of the first part of our study -spleen content of selected polyphenols, spleen cellularity, splenocytes phenotype and their response to mitogens. Experiments were performed on adult inbred females of Balb/c strain, mated with adult males. Females, since copulatory plug was noted, up to the 28-th day after delivery were fed daily with 20 mg/kg b.m. water (RKW) or hydro-alcoholic (RKW-A) extracts of Rhodiola kirilowii. Results: 1. Significantly lower proportion of pregnant mice in experimental groups than in the control. 2. Cellularity of spleen and flavonol quercetin spleen concentration were significantly lower in experimental groups in comparison to the controls. 3. Flavanols ( (+)-catechin and epicatechin) levels were significantly higher in the spleens of experimental mice than in the controls. 4. Positive correlation between spleen cellularity and quercetin, and negative correlation between spleen cellularity and epicatechin content were observed. 5. Spleen mass and spleen lymphocytes phenotype and proliferation in RKW and RKW-A fed mice did not differ from the control. These results, together with suspicion of some embryo-toxicity, are worrying and eliminate the possibility of use Rhodiola kirilowii extracts for long-term treatment in pregnant females.

Feeding Pregnant and Lactating Mice Rhodiola kirilowii Extracts helps to Preserve Thymus Function of their Adult Progeny

“…In recent years, our studies have shown that extracts from plants belonging to Rhodiola species can enhance various in vitro and in vivo parameters of cellular immunity in mice, rats and pigs, which has become a goal for research (Furmanowa et al 1998, Siwicki et al 2007, Skopińska-Różewska et al 2008d, 2010, 2011, Wójcik et al 2008, 2009a,b,c, Bany et al 2009, Hartwich 2010, Zdanowski et al 2014, Lewicki et al 2015.…”

“…Then the percolates were lyophilized (preceded by the distilling off the ethanol in the tempera- Chemical analysis of extracts was done as previously described (Lewicki et al 2015). Total extract polyphenols/flavonoids concentration (16.16 μg/mg and 23.75 μg/mg in RKW and RKW-A, respectively) was assayed by applying the HPLC system (Dionex) equipped in the CoulArray electrochemical detector (ESA Inc.)…”

Morphometric abnormalities in the spleen of the progeny of mice fed epigallocatechin during gestation and nursing

“…This begs a question why such changes have not been previously observed in the offspring of mothers treated with extracts of Rhodiola. One explanation may be that these extracts also contain high doses of other polyphenols, including quercetin, that show the reverse action on cellularity with respect to the catechins (as demonstrated in the work of Lewicki et al 2015). They can also act protectively by partially eliminating adverse effects of catechins.…”

Morphometric abnormalities in spleen and kidney of the progeny of mice fed American cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) during pregnancy and lactation

“…In recent research on the influence of Rhodiola kirilowii extracts on the splenocytes of pregnant mice, a negative correlation between spleen cellularity and catechin content and a positive correlation between spleen cellularity and quercetin content were observed (Lewicki et al 2015). Quercetin is a major flavonoid in cranberry fruit (Choi et al 2001, Ferguson et al 2006.…”

“…Phenotypic determination of splenocytes was performed according to Lewicki et al (2015). Briefly, a spleen cell suspension (100 μl, 1x10 6 cell/ml) was washed twice with PBS and centrifuged (500 x g, 5 min, room temperature).…”