The therapeutic immunomodulatory benefits of natural medications against hepatic inflammation by modulating the immune system and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Zoology, Science Faculty, University of Tanta, Tanta, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Phytomedicines act as immunomodulators, enhancing protective immune responses and reducing liver inflammation through immune and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Aim: This study assessed the therapeutic immune modulation effects of herbal treatments from silymarin (Slm), curcumin (Cur), amygdalin (Amg), and ginger (Gng) on liver inflammation induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in mice. Methods: Mice underwent liver inflammation via CCL4 injections (0.5 mg/kg) three times a week for 8 weeks. Twenty-four hours post each CCL4 treatment, mice in group 1 received saline, while mice in groups 2 to 5 were treated with herbal extracts: Slm (112 mg/kg), Cur (522 mg/kg), Amg (64 mg/kg), and Gng (115 mg/kg) thrice/week for 8 weeks. Immune and biochemical responses were evaluated through flow cytometric analysis of CD4+ T, CD8+ T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and splenocyte necrosis rates, and ELISA assay for pro-inflammatory molecules C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), alongside leukocyte counts and renal and hepatic function analyses. Results: The results revealed that in CCL4-treated mice, the expression rate of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as NK cells, was significantly higher after treatment with Slm, Cur, Amg, or Gng; while IL-6, CRP levels, and splenocyte necrosis rates were markedly decreased as compared to the control CCL4 group. Biochemical assessments showed nearly normalized ALT and urea levels similar to control mice post-herbal extract treatments. Conclusion: Herbal medications from Slm, Cur, Amg, and Gng effectively regulated immunity and inhibited liver inflammation through immune and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Phytomedicines target immunological mechanisms, potentially impacting hepatic inflammation and demonstrating promise in clinical applications.

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Egyptian Journal of Cancer and Biomedical Research
Volume 9, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 18-29

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