Human gene expression as a tool to determine horticultural maturity in a bioactive plant (Echinacea purpurea L. Moench).
A phenological study was conducted to determine the impact of harvest maturity on the immune-modulating properties of Echinacea purpurea. The aerial parts of this plant were collected during seven stages of development and were assayed for a common botanical marker for this species, cichoric acid. Plants of selected development stages were also assayed for total polysaccharides and compared for their immune-modulating effects on the THP-1 monocyte/macrophage cell line by means of a gene expression study. Although the concentration of cichoric acid did not change significantly during the course of the study, stage 1 (advanced vegetative) had the highest concentration of total polysaccharides and exhibited the most potent induction activity on immune-modulating cytokines such as interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These findings suggest that the use of gene expression may be an effective tool not only to standardize botanical extracts but also to optimize harvest time.
Brovelli
Ernesto Antonio
EA
Nutrilite Health Institute, 19600 6th Street, Lakeview, California 92567, USA. ernesto.brovelli@nutrilite.com
Rua
Diego
D
Roh-Schmidt
Haeri
H
Chandra
Amitabh
A
Lamont
Erin
E
Noratto
Giuliana Doris
GD
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002109:Caffeic Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002460:Cell Line; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D020900:Echinacea / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000032:analysis; D013386:Succinates / Q000032:analysis; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D002109:Caffeic Acids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011134:Polysaccharides; D013386:Succinates; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007371:Interferon-gamma; C100435:chicoric acid