Bacopa monnieri (L.) exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cells of the innate immune system in vitro.
Bacopa monnieri (L., BM) is a traditional Ayurvedic medicinal herb recognised for its efficacy in relieving acute pain and inflammation, as related to selective inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and consequent reduction in COX-2-mediated prostanoid mediators. BM is also associated with cognitive enhancing (nootropic) activity including improving memory free recall, observed after prolonged intake (>3 months). It is likely that the time frame required to exert an effect in the brain reflects regulation by BM of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with aging and chronic diseases, and other polypharmacological effects. We report down-regulation by BM of NO and TNF-α in stimulated RAW 246.7 macrophages and of IFN-γ in stimulated human blood cells. Furthermore, in human blood cells, IL-10 was slightly elevated indicating polarisation towards a regulatory T cell phenotype. These results provide further supportive evidence to justify the clinical evaluation of BM for managing diseases involving chronic systemic and brain inflammation driven by the innate immune system.
CSIRO Preventative Health Flagship, Animal, Food and Health Sciences, 671 Sneydes Road, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
Roderick
R
Williams
Gerald
G
Münch
Erika
E
Gyengesi
Louise
L
Bennett
D000375:Aging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D034681:Bacopa / Q000737:chemistry*; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000276:immunology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D016753:Interleukin-10