Planta Med 2011; 77 - PM137
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1282895

Evaluation of Hydroalcoholic extract of Astragalus fasciculifolius Boiss. on Immunological factors IFN-γ, IL-4 in early sensitized mice induced by Ovalbumin

M Azemi 1, M Ghafoorian Borougerdnia 2, F Namjooyan 1, H Saeidian 1, S Yousef Naanaei 3, A Hemmati 4
  • 1Medicinal Plant Research Center, Pharmacognosy Department, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundi Shapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
  • 2Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundi Shapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
  • 3Agricultural and Natural Resources of Research Centre of Khuzestan, Ahvaz, Iran
  • 4pharmacology-Toxicology department, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundi Shapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

The genus Astragalus is a very large group of more than 2,000 species and about 800 species in Iran. Currently, much of the pharmacological research on Astragalus is focused on its immune-stimulating polysaccharides and other active ingredients useful in treating immune deficiency conditions. Astragalus has demonstrated a wide range of potential therapeutic applications in immunodeficiency syndromes, as an adjunct cancer therapy, and for its adaptogenic effect on the heart and kidneys. Astragalus can modulate the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines; it decreases IL-4 and increases IFN-γ. Since, allergy conversely disturbs the balance of Th1/Th2, increases IL-4 and decreases IFN-γ; we decided to use Astragalus fasciculifolius Boiss. to improve the balance. Hydroalcoholic extract of Astragalus fasciculifolius assessed by phytochemical tests to recognize the main active constituents. Mice were sensitized with subcutaneous injection of 100µg of ovalbumin, 1mg aluminum hydroxide, days 1 and 7. efficiency of sensitization was assessed by blood IgE levels. then 14 days 250mg/kg & 500mg/kg extract was interaperitoneally injected.on day 14, mice were challenged with intraperitoneal injection of 10µg of ovalbumin. IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), was assessed by ELISA kits., The results showed significant differences (P<0.05). Phytochemical tests showed, terpenoids and flavonoids. Intraperitoneal injection of Astragalus fasciculifolius was able to decrease IL-4 and increase IFN-γ, consequently Herbal species has the potential to modulate the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in allergy.

Keywords: Astragalus fasciculifolius , Immunologic factors, IFN-γ, IL-4

Acknowledgement: Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences