Barberry's (Berberis integerrima) ingredients suppress T-cell response and shift immune responses toward Th2: an in vitro study

AIM Food and medicinal applications of barberry date back to 2500 years ago. This study investigates Berberis integerrima impact on lymphocytic immune responses. MATERIALS & METHODS Balb/c splenocytes were treated by 0.001-1000 μg/ml of B. integerrimaaqueous and alcoholic extracts in presence of phytohemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide mitogens. Cell proliferation was assayed and cytokines were measured using ELISA. RESULTS Both extracts suppressed proliferation of phytohemagglutinin stimulated splenocytes (as T cells), while alcoholic extract induced expansion of lipopolysaccharide activated cells (as B lymphocytes) and unstimulated cells (p < 0.05). Both barberry extracts suppressed IFN-γ production (p < 0.05) and enhanced IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β release from splenocytes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Both extracts could suppress T-cell and enhance B-cell proliferation and shift immune responses toward Th2.