Immunosuppressive effect of Plantago major on the innate immunity of Galleria mellonella

Greater plantain (Plantago major), a medicinal plant species, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases in many countries of the world. Different studies have shown that the bioactive components contained in the plant have a dual effect. It was also reported that in vivo and in vitro studies showed different results. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of P. major extract on the hemocyte-mediated and humoral immune responses of the invertebrate model organism Galleria mellonella, which is widely used in immune studies. In the evaluation of these effects, total hemocyte count, encapsulation, melanization, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde and total protein parameters were evaluated. The results of the study showed that the total hemocyte count did not change, that the encapsulation responses decreased, that the melanization responses and phenoloxidase activity increased and that the superoxide dismutase activity decreased. As a result, it was determined that high doses of P. major had negative effects on cell-mediated immunity and antioxidant defence and positive effects on melanization. High doses and continuous use of P. major may have negative effects on living things.