Minthostachys verticillata (Griseb.) Epling: a South American plant with anti-inflammatory effect in vitro.

CARIDDI LN; GONZÁLEZ PEREYRA ML; GAMBERO ML; DEMO M; ISOLA MC; FRANZONI L; SABINI LI; MALDONADO AM

Allergy and Clinical Immunology International

Hogrefe & Huber Publishers

Lugar: Gottingen; Año: 2006 vol. 18 p. 234 - 241

0838-1925

Background: Minthostachys verticillata, is a South American bus used in folk medicine for the treatment of asthmatic disease. Its essential oil (EO) and decoction (D) have antibacterial and antiviral activity. ¦Â-hexosaminidase (¦Â-h), a pre-synthesized enzyme present in basophils and mast cells, is released along with histamine in the immediate type allergic reaction. Here, we evaluated the ability of D and EO derived from M. verticillata to inhibit ¦Â-h release from basophils -  in response to the specific allergen -  comparing them with dexametasone and theophyline. The percentage of LT CD8(+) and the production of IFN-¦Ã was measured in lymphocyte cultures stimulated by the vegetal derivates in order to investigate if these produce Th1 deviation. Methods / Data base: Leukocytes from 30 allergic patients sensitized to environmental fungi were studied. Basophil degranulation was evaluated considering the amount of b-h released. The inhibition of the degranulation by D and EO, was compared in vitro with the response to the allergen alone or amended with dexametasone or theophyline. Lymphocyte cultures were stimulated with D or EO. The percentage of LT CD8(+) in each culture was determined by IFI. IFN-¦Ã level was measured in culture supernatants by EIA. Results: D and EO inhibited  ¦Â-h release from basophils. 42% of the cells present in lymphocyte cultures stimulated by the vegetal derivates were LT CD8(+). Cell cultures stimulated by EO showed higher IFN-¦Ã levels than non stimulated cultures and cultures stimulated by D (p<0,05).  Conclusions: D and EO showed ability to inhibit ¦Â-h release in a way comparable with dexametasone and teophyline. D and EO induced LT CD8(+) expansion in vitro. EO induced IFN-¦Ã production. D did not show this effect. According to this, the vegetal derivates may induce Th1 deviation, inhibiting the immediate type allergic reaction. Key words: Minthostachys verticillata, ¦Â-hexosaminidase, basophil degranulation inhibition, IFN-¦Ã, LT CD8(+).