US EPA

8217367 

Journal Article 

Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers with particular reference to splenocytes proliferation and cytokines induction 

Bharshiv, CK; Garg, SK; Bhatia, AK 

2016 

Yes 

Indian Journal of Pharmacology
ISSN: 0253-7613
EISSN: 19983751 

48 

4 

412-417 

English 

10.4103/0253-7613.186210 

Objectives: To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Nyctanthes arbor- tristis flowers (NAFE) with particular reference to splenocytes proliferation and induction of cytokines. Materials and Methods: Antibody titer was determined by tube agglutination and indirect ELISA assay in four groups of mice-control, antigen alone, and NAFE-treated (400 and 800 mg/kg for 21 days) after immunization with Salmonella antigen while cellular immunity was studied in three groups of rats (control and NAFE-treated - 400 and 800 mg/kg) following DNCB application. Splenocytes from untreated and NAFE-treated rats were stimulated using concanavalin-A (Con-A) and optical density (OD) and stimulation index were determined. Splenocytes from control rats were also treated in vitro with NAFE (50-1600 μg/ml) and Con-A to determine the effect on splenocytes proliferation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 levels in splenocytes supernatant from control and NAFE-treated rats and following in vitro treatment of splenocytes with NAFE (50-1600 μg/ml) were determined using ELISA kits. Results: Marked to a significant increase in antibody titer by both the methods in NAFE-treated mice and a significant increase in skin thickness in rats after challenge with DNCB, respectively suggested humoral and cell-mediated immunostimulant potential of NAFE. Significant increase in OD and stimulation index following e x vivo and in vitro exposure of splenocytes and sensitization with Con-A and significant elevation in IL-2 and IL-6 levels in splenocytes supernantant was also observed after their ex vivo and in vitro exposure to NAFE. Conclusion: Humoral and cell-mediated immunostimulant activity of NAFE seems to be mediated through splenocytes proliferation and increased production of cytokines, especially IL-2 and IL-6. © 2016 Indian Journal of Pharmacology Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow. 

Antibody titer; cell-mediated; cytokines; interleukin-2; interleukin-6; Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers; splenocytes proliferation