The effect of calyx infusion of hibiscus sabdariffa l. On t-cells-mediated immune response in mitogen-induced blastogenesis of human lymphocytes in vitro

Free radical production and disturbance in the redox status may modulate the expression of a variety of immune and inflammatory molecules. Antioxidants could inhibit the proliferation of T lymphocytes induced by mitogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the infusion of dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on T-cell-mediated immune response. We examined the effect of the infusion on spontaneous and mitogen-induced blast transformation of human lymphocytes in vitro. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from heparinised venous blood of healthy subjects (n=17) were examined. Five and 10 mg ml-1 phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and 5 mg ml-1 pokeweed mitogen (PWM) were added. Depending on the concentration, calyx infusion of H. sabdariffa decreased mitogen-induced blastogenesis in normal subjects. It did not affect, however, the level of spontaneous proliferation of human lymphocytes in vitro. The infusion of hibisci flos may alleviate over-stimulated condition of the immune system in hypersensitivity ...