Immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of Bombax ceiba Linn leaf extract

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The antioxidant property of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was determined by measuring hydrogen peroxide scavenging and DPPH scavenging activity. The effect on cellular immunity in vivo was determined by measuring neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance, sheep red blood cell induced DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated on human leukaemia cell line (HL-60) by MTT assay, caspase-3 activity, and cell cycle study. Results: The methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves showed antioxidant activity and significantly increased neutrophil adhesion, carbon clearance from blood, DTH response and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The MTT assay showed a significant increase in the death of HL-60 cell line. A rise in caspase-3 activity and sub-G1 population in the presence of methanolic extract of Bombax ceiba leaves was observed. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of leaves of Bombax ceiba L possesses anticancer activity, immunomodulatory activity, and antioxidant properties, proving its therapeutic usefulness in the treatment of immuno-compromised diseases and cancers.