Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Euphorbia myrsinites in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Septic Shock in Mice

Background and purpose: Many herbs including Euphorbia have immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of the ethanolic extract of E.myrsinites. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 40 Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group A included healthy mice, group B was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), group C received the ethanolic extract of E.myrsinites 7 days before LPS induction. Group D received the plant extract at the same time with LPS induction. Then, blood samples were collected (2 and 6 h after LPS induction) and IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and nitric oxide production were evaluated. Results: Two hours after LPS induction, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in groups C and D increased significantly and IFN-γ level decreased significantly compared to those in group B (P=0.0425). But, six hours after LPS induction, TNF-α level significantly increased in group B compared to that in groups C and D (P=0.0473), but IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased significantly in groups C and D compared to those in group B (P=0.0411). The levels of nitric oxide, 2 and 6 hours after LPS induction, significantly decreased in groups C and D compared to those in group B (P=0.0421). Conclusion: E.myrsinites ethanolic extract has immunomodulatory effects and could be used as an effective drug in inflammatory diseases such as septic shock through reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.