Phytochemicals and immunomodulatory effect of nelumbo nucifera flower extracts on human macrophages

Abstract

This research characterizes phytochemicals inherent in lotus flower and investigates the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity of ethyl acetate (EA) and ethyl alcohol (ET) lotus petal extracts. In the experiment, human monocytes‐derived macrophages were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide to mimic bacteria‐induced inflammation. The results showed that ferulic acid, coumarin, and chlorogenic acid were three dominant polyphenols. The EA and ET lotus petal extracts also possessed high antioxidant capability. Furthermore, the extracts exhibited immunomodulatory properties by suppressing TNF‐α secretion in inflammatory‐induced human macrophages by inhibiting NF‐κB‐dependent inflammatory response. In essence, the lotus petal extracts possess remedial attributes beneficial to individuals afflicted with declined immune functions.