In vitro and in vivo immunostimulatory activity of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers on non-specific immunity

Abstract

Context: Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae), a non-rasayana immunomodulatory Indian medicinal plant, used traditionally as an anthelmintic, in dysentery, leprosy, blood diseases, leucorrhea, and menorrhagia.

Objective: To investigate the effect of ethanol extract of W. fruticosa flowers on non-specific immune responses in mice.

Materials and methods: In vitro immunomodulatory activity of the extract was examined on murine peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction, lysosomal enzyme activity, nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase) and on proliferation of bone marrow cells by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, while the in vivo potential on macrophages and bone marrow cells was evaluated by using carbon clearance test and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression, respectively.

Results: Significant increase in the release of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide lysosomal enzyme and superoxide from macrophages along with significant increase in phagocytic index in carbon clearance test indicate stimulatory activity of the extract on macrophages. The extract also demonstrated 60% increase in bone marrow cell proliferation and offer protection towards cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression which represents the stimulation of bone marrow activity.

Discussion: Significant increase in mediators released from macrophages and phagocytic index in carbon clearance test suggests the release of cytokines from macrophages and stimulation of reticulo-endothelial system. Proliferation of bone marrow cells indicates the plausible release of colony stimulating factors, which further stimulates the immune system through generation of immune cells.

Conclusion: The result described here indicates the immunostimulatory activity of ethanol extract of W. fruticosa flowers by stimulating non-specific immune responses, macrophages and bone marrow cells.

Keywords::

• Bone marrow
• immunomodulation
• in vitro and in vivo
• macrophages
• nitric oxide
• proliferation
• sulforhodamine B
• superoxide dismutase
• Woodfordia fruticosa

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Ganesh Iyer, Botanist at Ramnarayan Ruia College, Mumbai - 400019 for authentication of the fresh flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa.

Declaration of interest

The authors are very thankful to the University Grant Commission for their generous financial support.