In vitro investigation on the effect of a plant preparation with antiviral activity on the functions of mice phagocyte cells
Toshkova, R.; Nikolova, N.; Ivanova, E.; Ivancheva, S.; Serkedjieva, J.
Die Pharmazie 59(2): 150-154
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-7144 PMID: 15025186 Document Number: 569305
A polyphenol extract from the aerial roots of the medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum (PC) inhibited the reproduction of influenza viruses type A and B in vitro and in ovo and protected mice from mortality in the experimental influenza infection. The in vivo protective effect was connected with multiple biological activities of the preparation. The present paper focuses on the in vitro effects of the polyphenol extract on the functions of peritoneal and alveolar macrophages and blood polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs), isolated from healthy ICR mice. PC at 12.5 and 25 micro g ml-1 stimulated the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and blood PMNs. PC in the same doses did not significantly affect the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages, the migration of alveolar and peritoneal macrophages, or the adherent activity of PMNs. PC, at 3.1-25.0 micro g ml-1, suppressed spontaneous nitric oxide (NO) production from peritoneal macrophages, while inducible NO production, provoked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-, Ifn- gamma and LPS + Ifn- gamma inductions was not affected. The cell-toxic concentration of 100 micro g ml-1 increased spontaneous and LPS-inducible NO production. A stimulatory effect of PC on the phagocytic activity of murine PMNs and peritoneal macrophages was observed, as well as a beneficial effect of the preparation on spontaneous NO production.