Immunomodulatory activities of Trichilia glabra leaf aqueous extracts

Human peripheral blood monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes treated with leaf aqueous extracts of the Meliaceae tree Trichilia glabra showed a diminution in both their phagocytic and respiratory burst activities. A decrease in the haemolytic capacity of the human complement was also observed. The significance of the inhibitory effect observed over some components of the human immune system closely related with the inflammatory process is discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.