VIROSCOPE®, an ethanolic extract of medicinal plants produced in Lomé, Togo, demonstrated excellent anti-inflammatory and immune cell proliferation activities

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that at least 80% of the world's population finds its main, if not exclusive, therapeutic source in plants. Inflammation and associated diseases have been reported to be a great threat to public health, as evidenced by the deadly cytokine storms observed during the latest COVID-19 pandemic. Several phytomedicines with excellent anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory activities have been reported worldwide. Thus, this study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity, immune cell proliferation and immunosuppressive activities of a phytomedicine “VIROSCOPE®” produced by Viroscope SARL-U in Lomé, Togo. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the Propidium Iodide Membrane Integrity Test and interpreted according to NF EN ISO 10993-5. The immune cell proliferation property was assessed by evaluating the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in white blood cells by flow cytometry. Evaluation of IL-6 and TNF α production by Sandwich ELISA was used to evaluate the immunosuppressive and immunostimulatory properties of VIROSCOPE®. VIROSCOPE® demonstrated slight and mild cytotoxicity, depending on the dose. In addition, VIROSCOPE® induced excellent in vitro immune cell proliferation and showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity. All these immunomodulatory activities were dose-dependent, calling for strict compliance with the dosage. Further in vitro studies, animal model tests, and clinical trials are needed to elucidate all the therapeutic activities of VIROSCOPE® and to improve its formulation.