title: Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) modulates the function of inflammatory immunocompetent cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Europe, extracts of Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) have a long tradition in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. To understand the molecular basis for its use, we investigated the immunomodulatory capacity of a standardized commercially available common horsetail extract on human primary lymphocyte function in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  The standardized extract of Equisetum arvense was phytochemically characterized. Effects on proliferation, viability and activity of mitogen-activated human lymphocytes were assessed in comparison to cyclosporine A using annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays and flow cytometry-based surface receptor characterization, respectively. Intracellular levels of effector molecules (IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were analyzed with cytokine assays.
  
  
  RESULTS
  T cell proliferation was inhibited dose dependently by the Equisetum extract without induction of apoptosis or necrosis. This effect was mediated through inhibition of lymphocyte activation, specifically by diminishing CD69 and IL-2 surface receptor expression and intracellular IL-2 production. Furthermore, treatment with Equisetum arvense inhibited effector functions, as indicated by reduced production of IFN-γ and TNF-α.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data indicate that the used extract of Equisetum arvense interferes with the polyfunctionality of immunocompetent cells thereby providing an anti-inflammatory mode-of-action.
authors.affiliation: Center for Complementary Medicine, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr, 115B, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. carsten.gruendemann@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gründemann
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lengen
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sauer
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garcia-Käufer
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zehl
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D020829:Equisetum / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D016207:Cytokines; D010936:Plant Extracts
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