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Macrophage chemiluminescence modulated by Chinese medicinal herbs Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum
Author(s) -
Lau Benjamin H. S.,
Ong Peck,
Tosk Jeff
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.2650030408
Subject(s) - astragalus , traditional medicine , chinese herbs , luminol , chemiluminescence , zymosan , respiratory burst , macrophage , pharmacology , pharmacognosy , cell culture , phagocytosis , chemistry , medicine , in vitro , traditional chinese medicine , biology , biological activity , immunology , biochemistry , chromatography , alternative medicine , pathology , genetics
This study determined the effects of two Chinese medicinal herbs, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Ligustrum lucidum (LL), on chemiluminescent oxidative burst as an indicator of phagocytic function in a murine macrophage cell line J774. J774 cells were incubated with the aqueous herbal extract for 18 h at 37d̀C and 5% CO 2 . Chemiluminescent oxidative burst was triggered by adding a zymosan A suspension containing luminol and assayed in an automated luminometer. Significant dose‐related augmentation of chemiluminescence occurred with either AM or LL alone. A synergistic augmentation was obtained when the extracts were combined. The combined extract also significantly inhibited the growth of an experimental transitional cell carcinoma in mice. The results of this study indicate that these Chinese medicinal herbs may play a significant role in modulating host defense mechanisms.