## 2 Effects of Plant Extracts on In Vitro Dendritic Cell Biology and Its Effects in Cancer Cells
### Cytokines Production  
Many studies observed that plant extracts stimulated matured DCs to increase T-cell proliferation and production of immunostimulatory cytokines such as the T helper cytokines (Th1) IL-12 and IFN-\(\gamma\)[49], which are shown in Table 3. The extract of the Kurosengoku Japanese soybean initiates the production of IFN-\(\gamma\) and IL-12 from DCs [50]. Another group found that the active component galactomannan isolated from the _Caesalpinia spinosa_ plant gives rise to the maturation of DCs and also increases mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines [51]. Water extract of _Glycyrrhiza valensis_ stimulates the maturation of DCs and expands the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, TNF-\(\alpha\). IL-6, IL-6, and IL-18, and these changes initiate the Th1 immune response and provide cytotoxicity against tumors [47]. Plant-derived polysaccharides from _Ficus carica_ facilitate the maturation of DCs and increase the mRNA expression of IFN-\(\gamma\), IL-1, IL-6, and IL-23 [52]. Angelan from the medicinal plant _Angelica gigas Nakai_ initiates dendritic cell maturation and increases the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-18, TNF-\(\alpha\), IL-12, IFN-\(\alpha\), and IFN-\(\beta\)[43]. The polysaccharides from _Astragalus mongholicus_ stimulated DCs to induce the expression of IL-12p70 [35]. Polysaccharide (PLP) isolated from _Pueraria lobata_ and _Mori fruct_ acts on DCs and increases the production of interleukin IL-18, TNF-\(\alpha\), and IL-12 [27; 53]. Seeds of _Plantago asiatica_ induce DC maturation and production of increased TNF-\(\alpha\) and IL-12p70, and decreased IL-10 [54]. Water extract of _Pleurotus ferulae_ enhances the maturation of DCs through the Toll-like receptor4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and increases the production of IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-\(\alpha\) in a dose-dependent manner [55]. A purified polysaccharide isolated from _Polytorus 7u_ prompts the activation of bone marrow-derived DCs and the production of IL-12 cytokines [32]. Plant-derived polysaccharides from _Angelica gigas_ and _Capparis spinosa_ stimulated DCs to enhance the production of IL-18, TNF-\(\alpha\), IL-12, IFN-\(\alpha\), and IFN-\(\beta\) cytokines [44; 45]. Ethanol extract of _Phyllantus anarus_-generated tumor lysate pulsed monocyte-derived DCs induces the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-12 cytokines [14]. The polysaccharides from _Ficus carica_ promote DC maturation and increase mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, and IFN-\(\gamma\)[52].  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Plant Name/Extracts** & **DCs on T-Cell Activation** & **References** \\ \hline Polysaccharide _Angelica gigas Nakai_ (Angelin) & Increase T-cell proliferation and Th1 cytokines & [43; 44] \\ \hline _Capparis spinosa_ polysaccharides & Increase proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T-cells & [45] \\ \hline Safflower _Carthanus tinctorius_ & Enhances DCs mediated T-cell polarization & [46] \\ \hline _Glycyrrhizia uralensis_ & Increase tumor-specific CD8 T-cell proliferation & [47] \\ \hline _Dioscorea_ tuber phytoextracts & Increase T-cell proliferation & [18] \\ \hline plant extract of _Nicotiana benthumaniana_ & Enhances cytotoxic activity of tumor-specific T-cell & [23] \\ \hline Butanol fraction of stem and leaf extract of _Echinacea purpurea_ & Increase T-cell proliferation & [21] \\ \hline Uncarinic acid C, uncarinic acid D and Triterpene _E_Esters from _Uncaria rhynchophyla_ & Increase T-cell proliferation and Th1 cytokines & [48] \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 2: Plant extract pulsed DCs on T-cell activation.