Activation of Cell-mediated Immunity by Morinda citrifolia Fruit Extract and Its Constituents

作者：Murata Kazuya; Abe Yumi; Futamura Masuda Megumi; Uwaya Akemi; Isami Fumiyuki; Matsuda Hideaki^*

来源：Natural Product Communications, 2014, 9(4): 445-450.

DOI：10.1177/1934578x1400900401

• Morinda citrifolia
• Cell-mediated immunity
• Cytokine production
• Natural killer cells
• Deacetylasperulosidic acid

Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni, is a traditional natural medicine in French Polynesia and Hawaii. Functional foods derived from M citrifolia fruit have been marketed to help prevent diseases and promote good health. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of M. citrifolia fruit on cell-mediated immunity. In the picryl chloride-induced contact dermatitis test, M citrifolia fruit extract (Noni-ext) inhibited the suppression of cell-mediated immunity by immunosuppressive substances isolated from freeze-dried ascites of Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice (EC-sup). In addition, Noni-ext inhibited reduction of IL-2 production in EC-sup-treated mice and activated natural killer cells in normal mice. These results suggest that Noni-ext has multiple effects on the recovery of cell-mediated immunity. Furthermore, we investigated the active principles of Noni-ext and identified an iridoid glycoside, deacetylasperulosidic acid. Oral administration of deacetylasperulosidic acid inhibited the reduction of ear swelling, and also cancelled the suppression of IL-2 production along with the activation of natural killer cells in the same manner as that of Noni-ext.

• 出版日期2014-4