Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) modulates the function of inflammatory immunocompetent cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Europe, extracts of Equisetum arvense (common horsetail) have a long tradition in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. To understand the molecular basis for its use, we investigated the immunomodulatory capacity of a standardized commercially available common horsetail extract on human primary lymphocyte function in vitro.

Methods

The standardized extract of Equisetum arvense was phytochemically characterized. Effects on proliferation, viability and activity of mitogen-activated human lymphocytes were assessed in comparison to cyclosporine A using annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays and flow cytometry-based surface receptor characterization, respectively. Intracellular levels of effector molecules (IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were analyzed with cytokine a

SUBMITTER: Grundemann C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4132922 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature