In vitro immunomodulatory activity ofFilipendula ulmaria

Abstract

Extracts of the roots, herb and flowers of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. were investigated for in vitro immunomodulatory properties. Strong inhibitory activity was found towards the classical pathway of complement in the ethyl acetate extracts of roots and flowers, in all methanol extracts and in the aqueous root extract. Except for the light-petroleum extracts, all fractions tested inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The diethyl ether root extract was found to be most potent in inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. The role of tannins and other constituents in these processes are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.