ibclogo XVI International Botanical Congess

Abstract Number: 4232
Poster No. = 2451


USING HUMAN NEUTROPHILS TO TEST FOR THE TOXICITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS


W. J. Du Plooy, C. P. Kahler, V. Seghal and M. Mohulatsi, Dept. of Pharmacology, Box 225, Medical University of Southern Africa, MEDUNSA, 0204, South Africa


Specific stimulants stimulate neutrophils to release free radicals. Free radicals cause tissue damage. A decrease in ATP production reflects possible harm to the cell. Objectives and methods: To assess the toxicity of an extract of Harpagophytum procumbens in isolated human neutrophils. Phorbol myristate acetate, opsonised zymosan and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine were used as standards. The extract's effect on ATP production was determined by chemiluminescence and compared to potassium cyanide. Results: Devil's Claw had a biphasic effect on the release of oxygen free radicals. At 3 x 10-5 M, free radical release was induced, but at 3 x 10-3 M it was inhibited (p<0.021). Devil's Claw (100mg/ml) inhibited ATP production but was normal at 10 mg/ml and ATP increased with lower concentrations of Devil's Claw. Potassium cyanide (> 0.1 mg/ml) inhibited ATP production. Discussion: Devil's Claw had a beneficial effect on ATP production of neutrophils and also showed anti-oxidant properties at high concentrations.

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