In vitro Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Commelina benghalensis Plant Extract on RAW 264.7 Murine Macrophage Cell Line

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory diseases emerge as a response to the disorders of inflammatory processes and excessive production of 
pro-inflammatory mediators initiating an inflammatory reaction cascade. The plant biomolecules can be used for treatment of 
inflammatory skin diseases emanating from their influence on different stages of inflammation. Objectives: Immunomodulatory 
and Anti-inflammatory effects of the Commelina benghalensis plant extract on the Raw 264.7 murine macrophage cell line was 
assessed using different assays. Secondary metabolites detection and ferric reducing antioxidant activity of the plant extract was 
spectrophotometrically shown using ascorbic acid as a standard. Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory effects on Raw 
264.7 cell line was assessed by employing MTT, Annexin-V flous and Griess reagent assay. There were observations of the 
presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates and concentration-dependent ferric reducing antioxidant 
power of the plant extract. The extract was shown to have minimal effects on cell proliferation or induction of apoptosis and 
production of Nitric Oxide (NO) was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. The compounds contained in C. 
benghalensis can be used in the treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders and the potential development of novel 
immunomodulatory drugs.