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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Cytokines | Research article

Effects of Vitex trifolia L. leaf extracts and phytoconstituents on cytokine production in human U937 macrophages

Authors: Hai-Ning Wee, Soek-Ying Neo, Deepika Singh, Hui-Chuing Yew, Zhi-Yu Qiu, Xin-Rong Cheryl Tsai, Sin-Yi How, Keng-Yan Caleb Yip, Chay-Hoon Tan, Hwee-Ling Koh

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) form the basis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Vitex trifolia L. is a medicinal plant growing in countries such as China, India, Australia and Singapore. Its dried ripe fruits are documented in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat ailments like rhinitis and dizziness. Its leaves are used traditionally to treat inflammation-related conditions like rheumatic pain.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of V. trifolia leaf extracts prepared by different extraction methods (Soxhlet, ultrasonication, and maceration) in various solvents on cytokine production in human U937 macrophages, and identify phytoconstituents from the most active leaf extract.

Methods

Fresh leaves of V. trifolia were extracted using Soxhlet, ultrasonication, and maceration in hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol or water. Each extract was evaluated for its effects on TNF-α and IL-1β cytokine production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human U937 macrophages. The most active extract was analyzed and further purified by different chemical and spectroscopic techniques.

Results

Amongst 14 different leaf extracts investigated, extracts prepared by ultrasonication in dichloromethane and maceration in ethanol were most active in inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1β production in human U937 macrophages. Further purification led to the isolation of artemetin, casticin, vitexilactone and maslinic acid, and their effects on TNF-α and IL-1β production were evaluated. We report for the first time that artemetin suppressed TNF-α and IL-1β production. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed the presence of eight other compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, campesterol and maslinic acid in V. trifolia leaf extracts.

Conclusions

In conclusion, leaf extracts of V. trifolia obtained using different solvents and extraction methods were successfully investigated for their effects on cytokine production in human U937 macrophages. The findings provide scientific evidence for the traditional use of V. trifolia leaves (a sustainable resource) and highlight the importance of conservation of medicinal plants as resources for drug discovery. Our results together with others suggest further investigation on V. trifolia and constituents to develop novel treatment strategies in immune-mediated inflammatory conditions is warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Effects of Vitex trifolia L. leaf extracts and phytoconstituents on cytokine production in human U937 macrophages
Authors
Hai-Ning Wee
Soek-Ying Neo
Deepika Singh
Hui-Chuing Yew
Zhi-Yu Qiu
Xin-Rong Cheryl Tsai
Sin-Yi How
Keng-Yan Caleb Yip
Chay-Hoon Tan
Hwee-Ling Koh
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Cytokines
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02884-w

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