EFFECT OF ANAPSOS (POLYPODIUM-LEUCOTOMOS EXTRACT) ON IN-VITRO PRODUCTION OF CYTOKINES

Aims The aim of the study was to test the immunomodulating capacity of Anapsos, Polypodium leucotomos extract, in vitro in an attempt to exp lore how this extract acts from an immunological point of view and thu s to identify a common link capable of explaining most of its effects. Methods Polypodium leucotomos rhizomes were harvested in Guatemala an d the extract, Anapsos, obtained. Mononuclear cells were obtained by d ensity gradient centrifugation from healthy donors, and stimulated wit h phytohemagglutinin or Pokeweed with and without Anapsos and with Ana psos alone. Cell proliferation was determined by thymidine incorporati on. Cells were also stimulated and the following cytokines determined by ELISA at 0, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h: IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-2, I NF-8, IL-4 and IL-10. Results Anapsos, Polyodium leucotomos extract, h as a modulating effect on the in vitro production and release of cytok ines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy subjects. At dos es effective in vivo, Anapsos can stimulate PBMNc proliferation, delay IL-1 beta secretion and at the same time increase that of IL-2, IL-10 , and INF-gamma. Conclusions Anapsos may have an antagonistic effect o n some of the cytokines released on cell stimulation with LPS and/or P HA, which suggests that this product has a pleiotropic effect on diffe rent populations in the immune system.