Root extracts of three species of Echinacea affect the maturation state of monocyte-generated human dendritic cells

摘要

Our study aims at investigating the effects of Echinacea phytocompounds on monocyte derived-dendritic cell (DC) generation, maturation and biological activity. Phenotypical evaluation, endocytic capacity and the dosage of culture surnatant cytokine are performed on immature and mature DCs, treated or not with E. purpurea, E. pallida, E. angustifolia root extracts (100-150-200 mug/mL). Our results demonstrate that Echinacea extracts don't affect DC generation, while they interfere with their maturation (shown as a reduced expression of CD40, CD80, CD83 and HLA-DR antigens). Moreover, they seem to reduce the endocytic activity and the production of IL-10. No significant differences among the extracts belonging to the three analysed species have been noticed.