The Effects of Allium hirtifolium Boiss. on Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Mice

Based on experiments showing immunomodulatory effects of garlic (Allium sativum L.), we sought to see whether Allium hirtifolim Boiss., belonging to the same genus of garlic, has any effect on immune responses. Hydroalcoholic extract and polyphenolic fraction of A. hirtifolium bulbs were prepared. Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), a biologically active component, was identified in plant bulbs by thin layer chromatography and determined by a spectrophotometery method at 412 nm. To study the effects of A. hirtifolium on acquired immunity, groups of Balb/c mice (n = 8-12) were used. Sheep red blood cell (SRBC) was injected (sc, 1x10⁸ cells/ml, 0.02 ml) and 5 days later hydroalcoholic extract (10-2000 mg/kg) and polyphenolic fraction (100-1000 mg/kg), betamethasone (4 mg/kg) or normal saline were given ip. After 1 h SRBC was injected to footpad (sc, 1x10⁸ cells/ml, 0.02 ml) and footpad swelling was measured up to 72 h. To see the effects of A. hirtifolium on intrinsic immunity the same procedure was used, but animals just received one injection of SRBC after ip injection of tested compounds. Our results showed that the amount of total thiosulfinates and allicin in A. hirtifolium bulbs were 0.53% and 0.37%, respectively. Betamethasone inhibited paw thickness in both models. Hydroalcoholic extract and polyphenolic fraction of A. hirtifolium significantly reduced footpad thickness in both models (p < 0.05). These findings showed that both hydroalcoholic extract and polyphenolic fraction of A. hirtifolium decreased acquired immunity response in a dose-dependent manner. However, only polyphenolic fraction of A. hirtifolium showed a dose-dependent effect on intrinsic immunity.