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Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of the methanol extract of Ficus benghalensis roots in rats

2006; Medknow; Volume: 38; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4103/0253-7613.27024

1998-3751

SY Gabhe, PA Tatke, Tabassum Khan,

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the aerial roots of Ficus benghalensis (Family Moraceae). Materials and Methods: Various extracts of the aerial roots of Ficus benghalensis were evaluated for potential immunomodulatory activity, using the in vitro polymorphonuclear leucocyte (human neutrophils) function test. The methanol extract was evaluated for immunomodulatory activity in in vivo studies, using rats as the animal model. The extracts were tested for hypersensitivity and hemagglutination reactions, using sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as the antigen. Distilled water served as a control in all the tests. Results: The successive methanol and water extracts exhibited a significant increase in the percentage phagocytosis versus the control. In the in vivo studies, the successive methanol extract was found to exhibit a dose related increase in the hypersensitivity reaction, to the SRBC antigen, at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg. It also resulted in a significant increase in the antibody titer value, to SRBC, at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg in animal studies. Conclusion: The successive methanol extract was found to stimulate cell mediated and antibody mediated immune responses in rats. It also enhanced the phagocytic function of the human neutrophils, in vitro .