Ameliorating Effect of Lavandula Angustifolia on Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Symptoms by Modulation of Immune Responses.

BACKGROUND

Migration of autoreactive T cells into the brain and production of inflammatory cytokines play an undeniable role in the neuronal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We investigated the immunomodulatory properties of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), a medicinal plant, in an EAE model.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice using the MOG35-55 peptide. Mice were divided into control and lavender-treated groups, receiving phosphate-buffered saline or lavender extract (50 or 100 mg/kg), respectively. Clinical symptoms and body weight were recorded throughout the study, and leukocyte infiltration in brain tissues was evaluated postmortem. Lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were assessed using MTT and ELISA assays.

RESULTS

Lavender-treated mice showed a considerable amelioration in clinical symptoms and weight loss (P < 0.0001), along with reduced brain leukocyte infiltration (P < 0.001). Additionally, lavender extract suppressed autoreactive lymphocyte proliferation (P < 0.01) and decreased levels of IFN-γ (P < 0.0001), IL-6 (P < 0.01 for low dose; P < 0.001 for high dose), and IL-17 (P < 0.05 for low dose; P < 0.01 for high dose). Conversely, TGF-β levels increased significantly in the treated groups (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results cleared the immunomodulatory effects of lavender in the EAE model. Thus, this herb could be a new candidate for the reduction of damage induced by dysregulation of the immune system in MS and similar autoimmune situations.