Planta Med 2015; 81 - PM_25
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1565402

The influence of tannins on the human neutrophils' pro-inflammatory mediators

S Granica 1, JP Piwowarski 1, AK Kiss 1
  • 1Department of Pharmacognosy and Molecular Basis of Phytotherapy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

Medicinal products rich in tannins are popularly used as external remedies in the prevention and treatment of oral cavity diseases, which are a growing problem among patients. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the induction and progression of inflammatory response in the periodontal and gingival diseases.

The aim of this study was to establish if tannins occurring in externally used drugs can modulate the production of pro-inflammatory factors by LPS-stimulated neutrophils.

Five dimeric ellagitannins – oenothein B, salicarinins A, B, gemin A and gemin G -, five monomeric tannins – castalagin, vescalagin, casuarinin, stachyurin, pedunculagin and penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG) – all at concentrations of 1, 5 and 20 µM were tested as potential immunomodulatory agents using human neutrophils. The influence of pure tannins on the production and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α and MMP-9 was investigated.

The experiments showed that the investigated compounds could modulate the inflammatory response of human neutrophils. All five monomers and PGG were able to inhibit the ROS production at all tested concentrations, while dimeric compounds had pro-oxidative effect at 20 µM. Monomers and dimers at the concentration of 20 µM inhibited the release of IL-8. Monomers were also able to decrease the production of IL-1β while dimers induced the production of this cytokine at the highest tested concentration. Monomers and dimers enhanced the production of TNF-α at higher concentrations (5 and 20 µM). Only dimeric compounds gemin A, agrimoniin and salicarinin B at 20 µM were able to decrease the release of MMP-9.

The results show that tannins can modulate the inflammatory response of human neutrophils. The effect depends on the structure of the investigated compounds.

Acknowledgements: The project was financially supported by Polish National Science Center research grant PRELUDIUM- UMO-2012/07/N/NZ7/01136.