Immunostimulatory effect of Silybum Marianum (milk thistle) extract.

摘要: Background Herbal products are increasingly used for their effects on the immune system. Milk Thistle, a commonly herbal product is known to inhibit growth of certain tumors, although mechanism this effect remains unknown. Previously we have shown that Thistle extracts stimulate neurons in culture. Since other drugs affect neuronal; system also system, investigated Material/methods Standardized extract was studied murine lymphocyte proliferation tests using Concanavalin A (ConA) as mitogen non-specific stimulation and mixed culture (MLC) allospecific stimulation. Th1 Th2 cytokine levels MLC were assayed by two antibody capture ELISA technique. All performed triplicate repeated twice. Results We found immunostimulatory vitro. It increased both assays. These associated with an increase interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 IL-10 cytokines (table). This response increasing doses Thistle. Conclusions Our study has uncovered novel milk thistle may be benefit immunity infectious diseases.