Immunomodulatory activity of an aqueous extract of Polygonum minus Huds on Swiss albino mice using carbon clearance assay

Abstract

To explore the immunomodulatory properties of aqueous extract of Polygonum minus Huds (P. minus), on swiss albino mice using carbon clearance assay. The study was performed using in-vivo carbon clearance assay or phagocytosis. Aqueous extract of P. minus was administered by oral route to Swiss albino mice for seven days. Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug. The phagocytic function of reticuloendothelial system was significantly (P<0.05) enhanced by levamisole and P. minus aqueous extract groups compared to the control. Treatment with aqueous extract of P. minus at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in dose dependent increase in phagocytic index (K) where phagocytic index of aqueous extract of P. minus at 400 mg/kg body weight is comparable to the standard drug Levamisole at 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Aqueous extract of P. minus has exhibited significant increase in phagocytosis at doses of 200 mg/kg body weight and 400 mg/kg body weight.