Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Euphorbia myrsinites in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Septic Shock in Mice

Many herbs including Euphorbia have immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of the ethanolic extract of E.myrsinites.

In this experimental study, 40 Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group A included healthy mice, group B was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), group C received the ethanolic extract of E.myrsinites 7 days before LPS induction. Group D received the plant extract at the same time with LPS induction. Then, blood samples were collected (2 and 6 h after LPS induction) and IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and nitric oxide production were evaluated.

Two hours after LPS induction, the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in groups C and D increased significantly and IFN-γ level decreased significantly compared to those in group B (P=0.0425). But, six hours after LPS induction, TNF-α level significantly increased in group B compared to that in groups C and D (P=0.0473), but IL-4 and IL-10 levels increased significantly in groups C and D compared to those in group B (P=0.0411). The levels of nitric oxide, 2 and 6 hours after LPS induction, significantly decreased in groups C and D compared to those in group B (P=0.0421).

E.myrsinites ethanolic extract has immunomodulatory effects and could be used as an effective drug in inflammatory diseases such as septic shock through reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.