In vitro immunomodulatory effects of Caryocar villosum oil on murine macrophages

Macrophages undergo activation in response to multiple stimuli, including pathogens, growth factors and natural products. The inflammatory response and oxidative stress play critical roles in such macrophage activation. Some natural products reportedly promote immunoregulatory effects and the control of macrophage activation. Caryocar villosum (Cv), a native amazon plant, contains compounds that are an important source of molecules capable of macrophage activation. Herein, we demonstrate the immunomodulatory effects of oil obtained from Caryocar villosum (CvO) on macrophages. Macrophages were treated with varying concentrations of CvO, and resulting cellular morphological and functional changes were evaluated, including the production of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines and phagocytic activity. Treatment of cells with 50 and 100 μg/mL CvO induced morphological and physiological alterations in the macrophages, such as increased cell surface and phagocytic activity. Additionally, treatment increased the productions of inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17 and IL-10) by macrophages, and significantly decreased ROS levels. In conclusion, these data suggest that, due to molecular diversity, CvO promoted an immunomodulatory effect on macrophages, mediated by an increased production of cytokines, and inhibition of ROS generation and phagocytic activity. Thus, CvO presents potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases.