Objectives: The present study reports the immunomodulatory potency of Q. infectoria gall extract in vitro. The aqueous extract was prepared and examined for its effects on cell proliferation, phagocytic activity, nitric oxide production, and cytokine synthesis by murine macrophages. Methods: Proliferative and phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production of extract-treated and control cells were studied using proliferative assay, flow cytometry, and Griess reaction, respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the macrophage culture. Results: Treated macrophages had a higher proliferative rate and phagocytic activity as compared to untreated macrophages. The cell treatment with extract concentration of 64 μg/mL demonstrated a significant decrease in nitric oxide production (P<0.0001). An increase in cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-23, TGF-β) was observed; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study suggests that gall extract possesses potential for augmenting immunomodulatory activity by cellular mediated mechanism and could play a role in the regulation of the innate immune response.

Objectives: The present study reports the immunomodulatory potency of Q. infectoria gall extract in vitro. The aqueous extract was prepared and examined for its effects on cell proliferation, phagocytic activity, nitric oxide production, and cytokine synthesis by murine macrophages. Methods: Prolif...