Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Zoology, Science Faculty, University of Tanta, Tanta, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Herb-based drugs regulate immunity by inhibiting cytokines and chemokines, impacting hepatic inflammation and immune cell recruitment after chemical injury. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potentials of silymarin (Sylm), curcumin (Curc), amygdalin (Amyg), and ginger (Ging) on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver inflammation. Methods: Mice were divided into six groups: group 1 received saline; group 2 received CCL4 (0.5 mg/kg) thrice/week for 9 weeks; and groups 3 to 6 received herbal extracts: Sylm (112 mg/kg), Curc (522 mg/kg), Amyg (64 mg/kg), and Ging (115 mg/kg), respectively, thrice/week for 3 weeks. Then, mice were given CCL4 (0.5 mg/kg) thrice/week for 6 weeks; 24 h following each CCL4 injection, they were given again herbal extracts at the same doses twice a week for 6 weeks. The expression of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, splenocyte necrosis rates, pro-inflammatory markers, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and alpha fetoprotein (AFP), and total and differential leukocyte counts, along with liver and kidney functions, were assessed. Results: Mice treated with herbal extracts from Sylm, Curc, Amyg, or Ging post-CCL4 injection exhibited significant increases in the expression rate of NK, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes, while TNF-α, AFP levels, and splenocyte necrosis rates were significantly reduced as compared to CCL4-intoxicated controls. Moreover, Amyg showed the most effective extract for regulating immune responses in response to liver inflammation. Conclusion: Treatment with the herbs Sylm, Curc, Amyg, and Ging shows promise in regulating immune responses to chemical damage, highlighting their potential in treating liver inflammation. Further pre-clinical studies are needed to prove their immune regulation and therapeutic effectiveness in liver inflammation.
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