Orostachys japonicus A. Berger Extracts Induce Immunity-Enhancing Effects on Cyclophosphamide-Treated Immunosuppressed Rats

Biomed Res Int. 2019 Jan 6:2019:9461960. doi: 10.1155/2019/9461960. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the immunity-enhancing effects of Orostachys japonicus A. Berger (OJ). To examine the immune protective effect in vitro, primary mouse splenocytes were treated with water or ethanol extracts of OJ in the absence or presence of cyclophosphamide (CY), which is a cytotoxic, immunosuppressive agent. The extracts increased the propagation of splenocytes and inhibited CY-induced cytotoxicity. Further, to examine the immunostimulatory effects in vivo, adult Wistar rats were orally administered OJ extracts with or without CY treatment. With the administration of OJ extracts, CY-treated immunosuppressed rats showed improved physical endurance, as assessed by the forced swim test. In addition, extract administration increased not only the number of immunity-related cells but also the levels of plasma cytokines. OJ extracts also recovered splenic histology in CY-treated rats. These findings suggest that an OJ regimen can enhance immunity by increasing immune cell propagation and specific plasma cytokine levels.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / immunology
  • Crassulaceae / chemistry*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects*
  • Immunocompromised Host / drug effects
  • Immunocompromised Host / immunology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Rats
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / drug effects*
  • Spleen / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Cyclophosphamide