Immunomodulatory Activity of the Methanol Extract of <i>Amorphophallus campanulatus</i> (Araceae) Tuber

Abstract

Purpose: Traditionally, Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber is used for the treatment of enlarged spleen, rheumatism and tumour. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the plant material. Method: The effect of the methanol extract (ME) of Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber on immunological function in mice was studied using charcoal clearance, spleen index and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response models. The extract was administered orally at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Results: The extract exhibited immunomodulatory activity by causing a significant decrease in charcoal clearance, spleen index and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. Conclusion: Amorphophallus campanulatus caused decreases in the charcoal clearance rate and cellular immunity by facilitating the footpad thickness response to sheep red blood cell (RBC) in sensitized mice.Keywords: Amorphophallus campanulatus; immunomodulatory activity, Charcoal clearance, Spleen index, Delayed-type hypersensitivity response.