Clove and eugenol in noncytotoxic concentrations exert immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory action on cytokine production by murine macrophages

Author(s)

Bachiega, Tatiana Fernanda ^[1] ; de Sousa, Joao Paulo Barreto ^[2] ; Bastos, Jairo Kenupp ^[2] ; Sforcin, Jose Mauricio ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP, Dept Microbiol & Immunol, Biosci Inst, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP - Brazil

^[2] USP, Dept Pharmaceut Sci, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; v. 64, n. 4, p. 610-616, APR 2012.
• Web of Science Citations: 55

Abstract

Objectives The extract and essential oil of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) are widely used because of their medicinal properties. Eugenol is the most important component of clove, showing several biological properties. Herein we have analysed the immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effect of clove and eugenol on cytokine production (interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-10) in vitro. Methods Macrophages were incubated with clove or eugenol (5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 mg/well) for 24 h. Concentrations that inhibited the production of cytokines were used before or after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to verify a preventive or therapeutic effect. Culture supernatants were harvested for measurement of cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Key findings Clove (100 mg/well) inhibited IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-10 production and exerted an efficient action either before or after LPS challenge for all cytokines. Eugenol did not affect IL-1 beta production but inhibited IL-6 and IL-10 production. The action of eugenol (50 or 100 mg/well) on IL-6 production prevented efficiently effects of LPS either before or after its addition, whereas on IL-10 production it counteracted significantly LPS action when added after LPS incubation. Conclusions Clove exerted immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting LPS action. A possible mechanism of action probably involved the suppression of the nuclear factor-kB pathway by eugenol, since it was the major compound found in clove (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/06120-0 - PRO- AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES PRODUCTION BY MACROPHAGES STIMULATED IN VITRO WITH PROPOLIS, BACCHARIS DRACUNCULIFOLIA, LEMONGRASS AND CLOVE
• Grantee: Tatiana Fernanda Bachiega Pinelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master