Adaptogenic effect of bioactive fractions extracted from medicinal plants on macrophage cell activation products

Abstract

Background: Macrophages, pivotal in the immune system, perform essential functions: antigen presentation, phagocytosis, and immune regulation via cytokines and growth factors. Membrane-bound Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) activate macrophages, driving cytokine and growth factor production. Macrophages exhibit two distinct phenotypes: M1, associated with pro-inflammatory responses, and M2, known for anti-inflammatory functions. Rhododendron Adamsii (Rh. Adamsii), used in traditional medicine in Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva, and Yakutia, is renowned for its adaptogenic potential. Some adaptogens were recognized for enhancing cellular activity and immunity. Therefore, as part of our collaborative project with the Basic Research Foundation of the Russian Federation, titled “Research on Developing a Comprehensive Methodology for In Vitro Analysis of Biologically Active Fractions Isolated from Medicinal Plants,” we were conducted a study on the impact of bioactive fractions extracted from Rh.Adamsii on macrophage-derived cytokine release. Materials and Methods: The fractions were extracted from Rh.Adamsii in the laboratory of the Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Altai University, Russia. The cytotoxic effect of bioactive fractions on RAW264.7 mouse macrophage-like cells was determined by the MTT method. The effect of the bioactive fraction on the final product of macrophage cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent antibody assay Results: 100 μg/ml of bioactive fractions were toxic to cells, and 10 μg/ml doses were non-toxic. Doses of 20, 10, and 5 μg/mL bioactive fractions inhibited the production of nitric oxide and IFNβ cytokine. However, fraction number 7.11 inhibited the output of TNF-α cytokine at a dose of 20 μg/ml, and fraction number 7.12 did not inhibit the production of cytokine TNF-α. Conclusions: 1. At a 10 µg/mL dose, the bioactive fraction is non-toxic to RAW264.7 cells. 2. A bioactive fraction inhibited the release of nitric oxide and IFNβ cytokine. However, TNF-α cytokine was inhibited by 7.11 bioactive fraction.