Anti-complement activity

Ginseng extracts have also been shown to modulate the immune responsiveness of human leukocytes in vitro. For example, extracts from P. ginseng were reported to increase NK cell function and ADCC in PBMC from both healthy and immunocompromised individuals [18]. In addition, similar extracts and their degradation products displayed anti-complement activity [46]. In contrast to the mouse data described above, a standardized ginseng extract (Gerimax) by itself (no inflammatory stimulus) induced the production of IL-12 (but not IL-10) by PBMC from healthy test subjects [47],... 

Park, S.H. et al., Acylated flavonol glycosides with anti-complement activity from Persicaria lapathifolia, Chem. Pharm. Bull, 47, 1484, 1999. 

Locher CP, Burch MT, Mower HF, et al. Anti-microbial activity and anti-complement activity of extracts obtained from selected Hawaiian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol 1995 49 23-32. 

Some aspects of the chemistry of lauren-l-ene, including the remote functionalization of other rings based on the I2-Pb(OAc)4 oxidation of laurenan-2-ols, have been described.158 X-Ray crystallographic evidence has been presented for the structure (92) of cinncassiol D, a pentacyclic diterpenoid from the dried bark of Cinnamomum cassia possessing anti-complement activity.159... 

Pharm. Bull, 33, 2142 (1985). Clinical anti-complement activity Y. Miyamoto et at, Trans. Am. Soc. Artif. Intern. Organs 31, 508 (1985). 

These drugs have anti-complement activity. 

One study has reported that aqueous extracts of the neem leaf produced anti-complement activity specifically in the classic pathway, but no stimulation of PMN phagocytosis or respiratory burst as measured by nitroblue tetrazoleum reduction [8]. Two polymers are believed to be responsible for the anti-complement activity of Azadharichta indica [69]. Further, the aqueous extract of the bark also reduced both classical and alternative complement pathway activity [70]. The effect was found to be dose and time dependent and most pronounced in the classical pathway. 

Complement activity was first recognized by Bordet, who showed that the lytic activity of rabbit anti-sheep erythrocyte serum was lost on heating to 56°C but was restored by the addition of fiesh serum from an unimmunized rabbit. Thus, two faetors were necessary, a heat-stable factor, antibody, plus a heat-labile factor, complement, whieh is present in all sera. 

Lupeol, isolated from the stem bark of Crataeva magna (Lour.) DC. (Capparaceae), reduces the foot-pad thickness and complement activity in arthritic rats (75). Oleano-lie acid saponins isolated from the roots of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. is anti-pruritic in rodent (76). 

Chainani-Wu N. (2003) Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin A component of tumeric (Curcuma longa). J Ahern Complement Med 9 161-168. 

The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids are largely due to the actions described above. In humans, complement activation is unaltered, but its effects are inhibited. Antibody production can be reduced by large doses of steroids, although it is unaffected by moderate doses (eg, 20 mg/d of prednisone). 

Figure 5. Natural antibodies in normal human and rabbit sera against liposomes containing gangliosides GM1 or Gntb. Glucose release measured from liposomes containing DMPC, CHOL, DCP, and GM, (150 /lg/fimol PC) or G,)tb (150 fig/p/riol PC). Human serum was complement source with the GM, liposomes due to high level of anti-Gui activity in guinea pig serum (1).

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