The effects of cichorium intybus extract on the maturation and activity of dendritic cells

Abstract

BackgroundCichorium intybus is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine for its benefits in immune-madiated disorders. There are several evidences showing that C. intybus can modulate immune responses. In the present study we have investigated the effects of the ethanolic root extract of this plant on the immune system by targeting dendritic cells (DCs). For this purpose, phenotypic and functional maturity of murine DCs after treatment with the extract was analyzed by flow cytometry and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay.ResultsC. intybus did not change the expression of CD40, CD86 and MHC-II molecules as important co-stimulatory markers on DCs compared to the control, indicating that it could not promote DCs phenotypic maturation. Treatment of DCs with lower concentrations of the extract resulted in an increased production of IL-12 by these cells with no change in IL-10 release. The capacity of treated DCs to stimulate allogenic T cells proliferation and cytokines secretion was examined in the co-cuture of these cells with T cells in MLR. C. intybus at higher concentrations inhibited proliferation of allogenic T cells and in lower concentrations changed the level of cytokines such that IL-4 decreased and IFN-γ increased.ConclusionsThese results indicated that C. intybus extract at higher concentrations can inhibit T cell stimulating activity of DCs, whereas at lower concentrations can modulate cytokine secretion toward a Th1 pattern. These data may in part explain the traditional use of this plant in treatment of immune-mediated disorders.

The Common Cichory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a Source of Extracts with Health-Promoting Properties—A Review

“…There are several evidences showing that C. intybus can modulate immune responses. Karimi et al [ 57 ] studied the effect of ethanolic extract of chicory root on the immune system by targeting mouse dendritic cells. C. intybus at higher concentrations inhibited proliferation of allogenic T cells and in lower concentrations changed the level of cytokines such that IL-4 decreased and IFN-γ increased.…”

Modulation of dendritic cell immune functions by plant components

“…The hydroethanolic extraction of turmeric was also found to reduce the activation of human DCs in response to inflammatory cytokines, and to inhibit DC ability to stimulate the mixed lymphocyte reaction [ 37 ]. Similarly, ethanolic root extract of Cichorium intybus , a traditional medicine, was found to inhibit T-cell proliferation, while low concentrations can modulate cytokine secretion toward a Th1 pattern as shown by increased production of IFN-γ [ 38 ].…”

Plant Components for Immune Modulation Targeting Dendritic Cells: Implication for Therapy

“…intybus, another plant that has been used traditionally to control gallstones, appetite loss, gout, jaundice, skin swellings, rheumatism and liver inflammation, was studied by Karimi et al They showed that higher concentrations of C. intybus extract will inhibit T-cell stimulating activity of DCs, while its lower concentrations can modulate cytokine secretion toward a Th1 pattern [93].…”