Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties of the herbal preparation indicated for prevention and treatment of alopecia

Background: Alopecia is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which the hair follicles become damaged. The etiology of the disease is still little known; the most common cause of alopecia is likely an autoimmune mechanism. Medicinal herbs ( Arctium lappa roots, Sophora japonica fruits, Acorus calamus roots, Urtica dioica leaves, Humulus lupulus fruits) are promising remedies for the prevention and treatment of alopecia. Methods: Anti-inflammatory properties of the phytopreparation were investigated using the following models: "rigid" inflammatory model and model of adrenalin pulmonary edema (anti-exudative activity), as well as the "cotton granuloma" model (influence on proliferative effects). Immunomodulatory properties were studied by analyzing the metabolic activity of macrophages exposed to herbal preparation as well as the secretion of monocyte-derived cytokines. Results: Intragastric administration of the herbal preparation reduced severity of the exudation phase of inflammation in the limbs of animals (37.3%) and inhibited pulmonary edema (21.0%). It was demonstrated that the phytopreparation reduced the weight of the granulation-fibrous tissue by 50.6%. The phytopreparation activated macrophages (50–400 µg/mL), decreased the number of flattened cells, increased the number of rounded cells and increased the production of oxidative metabolites (by 26% compared with intact cells). The herbal drug (0–300 µg/mL) increased cytokines secretion by human blood cells (interleukin-2 and interferon-γ). Conclusion: The phytopreparation exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. It is promising for the prevention and treatment of alopecia.