Prunella vulgaris L. extract improves cellular immunity in MDR-TB challenged rats

ObjectiveTo study the effect of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. on multiple drugs resistant bacillus tuberculosis (MDR-TB).MethodsExperimental animal model in rats was induced by MDR-TB. Normal group, model group and Prunella vulgaris L. group were set up. The contents of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 were examined by ELISA. Their genome mRNAs were extracted, the target genes were amplified by PCR. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of them.ResultsThe content of IFN-γ of the extract of Prunella vulgaris L. group was 1.98±0.67 pg/ml, IL-4 was 6.47±1.46 pg/ml, IL-10 was 12.13±3.43 pg/ml and IL-12 was 3.02±0.86 pg/ml. Compared with the model group, Prunella vulgaris L. group was notable difference in serum IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-10 (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 increased and IL-10 decreased obviously, the differences were quite significant (P<0.05), but IL-4 had no obvious change.ConclusionThe extract of Prunella vulgaris L. can enhance the cellar immunological function in rats from up-regulation of the level of genetic transcription, accordingly provide the theory basis of healing of tuberculosis with it.