IN-VITRO IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF FILIPENDULA-ULMARIA

Extracts of the roots, herb and flowers of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Ma xim, were investigated for in vitro immunomodulatory properties. Stron g inhibitory activity was found towards the classical pathway of compl ement in the ethyl acetate extracts of roots and flowers, in all metha nol extracts and in the aqueous root extract. Except for the light-pet roleum extracts, all fractions tested inhibited the production of reac tive oxygen species by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The diethyl ether root extract was found to be most potent in inhibiting lymphocy te proliferation. The role of tannins and other constituents in these processes are discussed. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.