Phytochemicals from Traditional Chinese Herb Shows Promise in Treating Immune-Related Disorders

Herbs and Phytochemicals: Macrophages, a crucial part of the body's immune system, play an essential role in fighting off infections, repairing tissues, and maintaining internal balance. However, when macrophages become excessively activated, they can contribute to the development of numerous diseases. A team of researchers from the Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering at Kunming University of Science and Technology in China has made a significant discovery that may help better regulate the function of macrophages. This Herbs and Phytochemicals news report examines their findings, which could lead to new treatment options for conditions related to immune dysfunction.


Phytochemicals from Traditional Chinese Herb Shows Promise in Treating Immune-Related Disorders

The researchers focused on a specific phytochemical compound called (2R)-3β,7,4′-trihydroxy-5-methoxy-8-prenylflavanone (TMP), which is found in the dried roots of Sophora flavescens, a traditional Chinese herb known for its medicinal properties. The team explored how TMP affects macrophage polarization, or how these immune cells change their behavior in response to various stimuli.
 
Key Findings on Macrophage Polarization
Macrophages are versatile cells that can adapt to different environments in the body. They can take on different forms depending on the needs of the immune system. These forms are commonly referred to as M1 and M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages are typically involved in inflammation and defense against infections, while M2 macrophages help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
 
The study found that TMP can influence macrophages to shift away from both extreme M1 and M2 polarization. The compound was shown to encourage a return to a more balanced, stable state known as the M0 state. In this state, macrophages are less reactive and do not contribute to excessive inflammation or immune suppression, making them more stable and potentially beneficial for treating immune-related diseases.
 
TMP's Impact on M1-Type Macrophages
The team discovered that TMP significantly reduced the markers associated with M1-type macrophages, including pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18. These cytokines are key players in triggering inflammation, which is why TMP's ability to lower their levels suggests its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
 
Further experiments demonstrated that TMP works by inhibiting certain cellular signaling pathways that lead to inflammation, including the AKT/mTOR, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. By blocking these pathways, TMP was able to reduce the production of inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2 and iNOS, which are typically elevated in M1-type macrophages.
 
TMP's Influence on M2-Type Macrophages
On the other hand, M2-type macrophages are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. In diseases like cancer and chronic infecti ons, an overabundance of M2 macrophages can suppress the immune response, allowing disease progression. Interestingly, the study revealed that TMP also curbs the excessive activity of M2 macrophages.
 
The compound was found to downregulate proteins associated with M2 polarization, such as Arg-1, IL-10, TGF-β, CD206, and CD163. This suggests that TMP not only reduces inflammation but also helps prevent the immune system from becoming overly suppressed. In essence, TMP helps maintain a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses, which is crucial for overall immune health.
 
Effects on Macrophage Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is a process where macrophages engulf and destroy pathogens and dead cells. The researchers found that TMP increased the phagocytic activity of macrophages. This means that macrophages treated with TMP were better equipped to eliminate harmful invaders and debris from the body.
 
This enhanced ability to clear away pathogens and damaged cells without triggering excessive inflammation is another promising aspect of TMP. It suggests that the compound could help boost the immune system's ability to fight infections while also preventing harmful overreactions that could lead to chronic diseases.
 
Mechanisms Behind TMP's Action
The study delved deeper into how TMP exerts its effects on macrophages. One of the most critical pathways involved in macrophage polarization is the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which regulates immune cell growth, survival, and metabolism. TMP was found to inhibit this pathway in M1-type macrophages, reducing their inflammatory activity.
 
At the same time, TMP affected the JAK/STAT pathway in M2-type macrophages, which is responsible for promoting tissue repair and immune suppression. By modulating both these pathways, TMP helps to prevent macrophages from becoming too polarized in either direction - towards inflammation or immune suppression.
 
This dual regulation is crucial because it means TMP may help maintain immune balance, which is particularly important in diseases where the immune system becomes overactive or weakened. By supporting this balance, TMP holds promise for treating a range of conditions, from autoimmune diseases to chronic infections and even cancer.
 
TMP's Potential as a Therapeutic Agent
The findings of this study highlight TMP’s potential as a natural treatment option for diseases that involve excessive inflammation or immune suppression. By regulating macrophage polarization and enhancing their phagocytic ability, TMP could help manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, and even cancer.
 
Moreover, TMP's ability to maintain macrophages in a stable M0 state suggests that it could help prevent immune cells from becoming overly reactive in response to stress or infection. This could be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, where the immune system is in a constant state of overdrive.
 
Conclusion
In summary, TMP, a prenylated dihydroflavonol derived from Sophora flavescens, shows great promise as a compound that can help regulate the immune system. By inhibiting the excessive activation of both M1 and M2 macrophages, TMP promotes a balanced immune response that could be beneficial in treating a wide range of diseases.
 
The study's findings suggest that TMP may be particularly useful for conditions where macrophage activity is either too high or too low, such as chronic inflammation or immune suppression. With further research, TMP could become a valuable tool in the fight against immune-related diseases.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Molecules.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/19/4741
 
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