Immunomodulatory Activity of the Ayurvedic Formulation “Ashwagandha Churna”

Abstract

Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated for “ashwagandha churna,” a reputed Ayurvedic herbal formulation. The experimental paradigms used were cellular (foot pad swelling) immune responses to the antigenic challenge by sheep RBCs (SRBCs) and the neutrophil adhesion test. On oral administration, ashwagandha churna showed a significant increase in neutrophil adhesion and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. It is concluded that ashwagandha churna significantly potentiated the cellular immunity by facilitating the footpad thickness response to SRBCs in sensitized rats.

Keywords:

• Ashwagandha churna
• delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)
• neutrophil adhesion