Evaluation of the immunostimulatory activity of Ziziphora tenuior extracts

Macrophages have an important role in host defense against fungal infections such as candidiasis. Active components such as polysaccharides, lectins, proteins, and peptides present in plants have been shown to stimulate the immune system. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of water, ethanol, and acetone extracts of Ziziphora tenuior ( Z. tenuior ) on murine peritoneal mactophages in vitro. Murine peritoneal macrophages were treated with different concentrations of Z. tenuior extracts. The viability of macrophages and nitric oxide production were evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiaozle-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyle-tetra zolium bromide (MTT) assay and Griess method, respectively. In addition, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fungicidal activity were evaluated by nitrobiue tetrazolium (NBT) assay and killing method, respectively. A significant increase in macrophage activity was observed with water extract of Z. tenuior ( P