A technique to screen plant extracts for anti-inflammatory activity on ovine neutrophils

Neutrophils play an essential role in host defense and inflammation. In recent years, several studies in men and dairy animals have shown that administration of natural compounds can influence the immune system. In the present study the extracts of six patented protected plants, named C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, have been screened for their effect on ovine neutrophils. Three, clinically healthy, non lactating, non pregnant sheep were used. Freshly isolated neutrophils were incubated with extracts at increasing doses and tested for viability, adhesion and superoxide production induced by PMA. The residues of C1, C2, C3 strongly inhibited adhesion and superoxide production, demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity. Further in vivo experiments are required to validate their use for productive animals.