Effect of meliacine, a plant derived antiviral, on tumor necrosis factor alpha

Fitoterapia. 2003 Feb;74(1-2):77-83. doi: 10.1016/s0367-326x(02)00294-0.

Abstract

The effect of meliacine (MAS) and two fractions MAB 1 and MAB 2 obtained from it on the in vitro production of TNF-alpha of murine macrophages induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (from Escherichia coli) was tested. Simultaneous administration of the above fractions (ranging from 14 to 56 microg/ml) and LPS (10 microg/ml) to a macrophage culture significantly increased the amount of TNF-alpha released at 24 h of induction in a dose-dependent manner. Meliacine alone, at a concentration of 56 microg/ml, is a weak inducer of TNF-alpha production.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Escherichia coli
  • Female
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Macrophages, Peritoneal / drug effects
  • Melia azedarach*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Peptides / therapeutic use
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Leaves
  • Plant Proteins*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Peptides
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Proteins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • meliacin