Stimulation of interleukin-1 and -6 production in alveolar macrophages by the neotropical liana, Uncaria tomentosa (Una de Gato)

Two extracts of different collections of the traditional medicine una de ga to (Uncaria tomentosa) from Peru were characterized by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography as containing approximately 6 mg/g total oxindole content p rior to studies with alveolar macrophages. The plant preparations greatly s timulated IL-1 and IL-6 production by rat macrophages in a dose dependent m anner in the range of 0.025-0.1 mg/ml. They were also able to enhance IL-1 and -6 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The results suggest a strong immunostimulant action of this plant. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.