Immunomodulation of Human Blood Phagocytes by Orbignya phalerata Mart. Plus IFN-γ and TGF-β Cytokines

Aims: Babassu is the popular name of the palm Orbignya phalerata Mart. That belongs to the family of Arecacae (Palmae). Some studies have attributed biological properties to this plant’s fruit; however, there are few studies evaluating the biological properties of its leaves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for the extract from Babassu leaves to be a possible immunomodulator of the functional activity of blood mononuclear phagocytes (MN) incubated with the bacteria Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in the presence of IFN-γ and TGF-β cytokines.

Study Design: Experimental study of in vitro cell immunomodulation by medicinal plants plus cytokines.

Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Biological and Health Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Barra do Garças, MT, Brazil, between June 2012 and July 2014.

Methodology: Mononuclear (MN) phagocytes were separated from blood by density gradient using Ficoll Paque. The cells were incubated with EPEC in the presence or absence of plant extract and IFN-γ and TGF-β cytokines. A control was performed using only cells (spontaneous group). The functional activity was evaluated by superoxide anion release, phagocytosis and bactericidal activity.

Results: There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the superoxide release by phagocytes in all groups that were incubated with plant extract. In the presence of IFN-γ and TGF-β cytokines plus plant extract, was observed lower (p<0.05) superoxide release and increased in phagocytosis and bactericidal activity.

Conclusion: Babassu extract is a potent immunostimulator of mononuclear phagocytes and a natural alternative that can be applied for the benefit of human health, specifically in infectious diseases.