Hippophae leaves prevent immunosuppression and inflammation in Co-γ-irradiated mice

Hippophae rhamnoides has diverse therapeutic applications in Indian, Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Irradiation (accidental/ therapeutic) causes immunosuppression and inflammation. This study investigated effects of our preparation from leaves of H. rhamnoides (code SBL-1), on modification of immunosuppression and inflammation in whole body irradiated (10 Gy) mice. One time treatment with SBL-1 before irradiation prevented the radiation induced (i) decrease in immunoglobulin G, (ii) early release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, (iii) increase in tumour necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, (iv) liver haemorrhage, stomach enlargement, spleen shrinkage, intestinal oedema and hair fall, (v) decrease in thiols and ferric reducing ability of plasma. HMGB1, a known therapeutic target, has roles in inflammatory diseases, tissue repair and immunomodulation. This study suggested that SBL-1 countered radiation pathologies by modifying HMGB1 regulated inflammatory pathway and restoring adaptive immune response.