Immunostimulatory Effect of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) Seed Water-Soluble Extract on Macrophages

Macrophage is one of the immune cells that play an important role in the innate immune system. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed is widely used for various cuisines as a spice. In this study, we evaluated the immunostimulatory effect of cumin seed water-soluble extract on macrophages and clarified its mode of action. Cumin seed water-soluble extract accelerated the production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α by mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages through the enhanced gene expression levels of these cytokines. The phagocytotic activity of RAW264.7 cells was also enhanced by the cumin seed water-soluble extract. In addition, the extract promoted translocation of the transcription factor NF-κB from the cytosol to the nucleus and stimulated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, and ERK). Overall results indicate that cumin seed contains immunostimulatory water-soluble substances.