Lotus has immunomodulatory effects. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Exploring the potential of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome on membrane stabilization, mast cell protection, nitric oxide synthesis, and expression of costimulatory molecules.
Psychol Med. 2010 Jan 5:1-11. Epub 2010 Jan 5. PMID: 20095810
School of Natural Product Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Immunomodulatory activity of Nelumbo nucifera rhizome was evaluated for its standardized extract (NNRE) with respect to betulinic acid. Various key parameters including erythrocyte membrane stabilization, inhibition of histamine release, reduction in nitric oxide production and depletion of expression of costimulatory molecules of macrophages were estimated. The result displayed that NNRE stabilized erythrocyte membrane significantly at 10 (42.05%) and 100 microg/mL (44.31%). Although considering the protection of mast cells from degranulation, NNRE showed 38.66% (100 microg/mL) and 69.66% (10 microg/mL) degranulation against compound 48/80 (C 48/80). NNRE at 1 and 5 microg/mL inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation of macrophages by decreasing the expression of costimulatory molecules. Expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 by NNRE was seen significantly at 5 microg/mL compared to LPS-treated group. The extracts also inhibited the nitrite concentration at 1 and 5 microg/mL compared to LPS-treated group.