Immunostimulant Activity ofn-Butanol Fraction of Root Bark ofOroxylum indicum, vent.

Abstract

In the present study, the immunomodulatory activity and the mechanism of action of the n-butanol fraction (100 mg/kg body weight, per os, once daily for 22 consecutive days) of the root bark of Oroxylum indicum, vent. (Bignoniaceae) was evaluated in rats using measures of immune responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC haemagglutinating antibody [HA] titer) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions. In response to SRBC, treatment with the n-butanol fraction caused a significant rise in circulating HA titers during secondary antibody responses, indicating a potentiation of certain aspects of the humoral response. The treatment also resulted in a significant rise in paw edema formation, indicating increased host DTH response. Additionally, the antioxidant potential of the drug was exhibited by significant reductions in whole blood malondialdehyde (MDA) content along with a rise in the activities/levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, histopathologic analysis of lymphoid tissues showed an increase in cellularity, e.g., T-lymphocytes and sinusoids, in the treatment group. In contrast, dexamethasone treatment caused significant reduction in the HA titer, DTH responses, and antioxidant potential. In a triple antigen-mediated immunological edema model, the extent of edema raised in drug-treated rats was greater compared to that in control rats, thus confirming enhanced DTH reactions in response to the drug treatment. Based on the above findings, the reported immunomodulatory activity of an active fraction of O. indicum might be attributed to its ability to enhance specific immune responses (both humoral and cell-mediated) as well as its antioxidant potential.

Augmented primary humoral immune response and decreased cell-mediated immunity by Murraya koenigii in rats

“…During the response, recruitment of macrophages is essential for antigen processing and presentation; at the same time, T lymphocytes are essential for transformation of B lymphocytes to antibody-secreting plasma cells during T-dependent antigen processing. SRBCs used in the present study are an example of a T-dependent antigen [21]. In the present study, the aqueous extract of M. koenigii leaves significantly increased the primary humoral immune response, whereas the secondary humoral immune response was significantly decreased compared to the control group.…”

“…These then induce vasodilatation, increase vascular permeability, cause macrophage accumulation and activation, promote phagocytic activity, and increase the concentration of lytic enzymes in order to ensure more effective killing (if a viable pathogen is present). Due to vasodilatation, increased permeability, and macrophage accumulation, there is local inflammation and concomitant formation of edema [21]. The present findings indicate that there was probably an inhibition of the release of lymphokines on M. koenigii administration, allowing the inflammatory cells to move away from the site of reaction.…”

A Phyto-Pharmacological Overview on Oroxylum Indicum (Linn.) Vent.

“…In a trip le antigen-mediated immunological edema model, the extent of edema raised in drugtreated rats was greater compared to that in control rats, thus confirming enhanced DTH reactions in response to the drug treatment. Based on the all these findings, the reported immuno modulatory activity of an active fraction of Oroxylum indicum might be attributed to its ability to enhance specific immune responses (both humoral and cellmed iated) as well as its antioxidant potential [35] .…”

Effect of GA3 treatments and sowing conditions on ex situ seed germination of Oroxylum indicum (L) Benth. Ex Kurz: A threatened high value medicinal plant

“…Further, each plant part such as root bark, stem bark, leaves, fruits, and seeds of O. indicum have high medicinal value [9]. The root bark possesses immunostimulant activity [10]; antiarthritic [9] and the biochanin-α plants, this tree has become vulnerable in different states of India such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh [20,21]. Hence, this species needs domestication, commercialization, and conservation in its natural habitats as well as ex situ habitats.…”