Immunomodulatory activity of fruits of Randia dumetorum Lamk

Abstract

Randia dumetorum Lamk., a plant widely used in the traditional medicinal systems of India, has been reported to possess antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. In present study, the attempt was made to screen immunomodulatory activity of methanol extract and its petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fraction of fruits of R. dumetorum. The effects of R. dumetorum on cell mediated and humoral components of the immune system in mice were observed. Administration of chloroform fraction at dose 100 mg/kg produced statistically significant results as evidenced by increase in humoral antibody (HA) titre (p < 0.05), delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response (p < 0.001).This fraction also enhanced the total WBC level in cyclophosphamide induced mylosuppression model (p < 0.001) at dose 100 mg/kg. Petroleum ether fraction and methanol fraction affected only cell mediated immunity. Present study, therefore reveals that drug holds promise as immunomodulatory agent.