Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Extract Effects on the Functions of Macrophage Cells
Location
John Q. Imholte Hall, Room #101
Event Website
https://2026undergraduateresearchsy.sched.com/event/2Ix7p/ziziphus-spina-christi-l-extract-effects-on-the-functions-of-macrophage-cells
Start Date
15-4-2026 3:30 PM
End Date
15-4-2026 4:00 PM
Description
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.), a wild tree found in subtropical and tropical regions, has been used as a medicinal herb by many because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Macrophages are white blood cells that kill microorganisms, eliminate dead cells, and stimulate other immune cells to act by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study hypothesizes that Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) plant extract will decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). To test this hypothesis, the plant extract was made, and RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were used. Furthermore, the macrophages were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which acts like a bacterial infection, with varying concentrations of plant extract. An MTT assay was used to check that the macrophage cells are still alive, and the cytokine levels were then measured using an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). The MTT assay showed that the macrophages were still alive. An experiment was done where the data indicated that the plant decreased the LPS induced IL-6 production as plant extract increased, but did not seem to have an effect on TNF-α production. So, in terms of our hypothesis, the data support the prediction that IL-6 production would decrease with increasing plant extract, but is not consistent with the prediction for TNF-α, which is to be expected since there are many cytokines impacting inflammation, and the cytokines may act differently depending on the stimuli. However, the medicinal properties of the plant might be the reason we see decreased IL-6 production.
Publication Date
2026
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Extract Effects on the Functions of Macrophage Cells
John Q. Imholte Hall, Room #101
Ziziphus spina-christi (L.), a wild tree found in subtropical and tropical regions, has been used as a medicinal herb by many because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Macrophages are white blood cells that kill microorganisms, eliminate dead cells, and stimulate other immune cells to act by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study hypothesizes that Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) plant extract will decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). To test this hypothesis, the plant extract was made, and RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were used. Furthermore, the macrophages were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which acts like a bacterial infection, with varying concentrations of plant extract. An MTT assay was used to check that the macrophage cells are still alive, and the cytokine levels were then measured using an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). The MTT assay showed that the macrophages were still alive. An experiment was done where the data indicated that the plant decreased the LPS induced IL-6 production as plant extract increased, but did not seem to have an effect on TNF-α production. So, in terms of our hypothesis, the data support the prediction that IL-6 production would decrease with increasing plant extract, but is not consistent with the prediction for TNF-α, which is to be expected since there are many cytokines impacting inflammation, and the cytokines may act differently depending on the stimuli. However, the medicinal properties of the plant might be the reason we see decreased IL-6 production.
https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/urs_event/2026/oralpresentations/17