In vitrostudies on the relationship between the anti-inflammatory activity ofPhysalis peruvianaextracts and the phagocytic process

Willington Martínez*, Luis Fernando Ospinab, Diana Granados & Gabriela Delgadoaa Immunotoxicology Research Group, Science Faculty, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombiab Research Group on Bioactive Principles of Medicinal Plants,. Pharmacy Department, Science Faculty. National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombiac Molecular Immunology Functional Group. Foundation Institute of Immunology of Colombia, Bogotá, ColombiaAddress for Correspondence: Gabriela Delgado, Immunotoxicology Research Group, Science Faculty, Carrera 30 # 45-03, Edificio 450, Oficina 206; Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. Phone: +57-1-3165120; Fax: +57-1-3165060. E-mail:lgdelgadom@unal.edu.coThe study of plants used in traditional medicine has drawn the attention of researchers as an alternative in the development of new therapeutics agents, such as the American Solanaceae Physalis peruviana, which has significant anti-inflammatory activity. The Physalis peruviana anti-inflammatory effect of ethanol or ether calyces extracts on the phagocytic process was assessed by using an in vitro phagocytosis model (Leishmania panamensis infection to murine macrophages). The Physalis peruviana extracts do not inhibit microorganism internalization and have no parasiticide effect. Most ET and EP extracts negatively affected the parasite’s invasion of macrophages (Infected cells increased.). This observation might result from a down-regulation of the macrophage’s microbicide ability associated with a selective reduction of proinflammatory cytokines levels. Physalis peruviana’s anti-inflammatory activity described in this model is related to an immunomodulatory effect exerted on macrophages infected, which directly or indirectly “blocks” their ability to secrete soluble proinflammatory mediators.