Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF AERIAL PARTS OF PASSIFLORA FOETIDA LINN

Ranganatha. N¹*, I.J Kuppast1, Veerashekar. T¹, Seetaram Kulkarni²

ABSTRACT

Aim and Objectives: Passiflora foetida Linn is an Indian medicinal plant belongs to the family Passifloraceae. The plant has been reported to contain alkaloids and flavonoids. Hence the present study was designed to evaluate the Immunomodulatory activity of ethanol, petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of Passiflora foetida Linn. Methodology: The method of “up and down” (OECD Guideline No. 425) of CPCSEA was adopted for acute toxicity studies. The Immunomodulatory activity was carried out by the determination of phagocytic index by in-vitro phagocytosis evaluation using PMN’s phagocytic activity and in-vivo macrophage phagocytosis evaluation using carbon clearance assay method. Results: Ethanol extract (300μg/ml in-vitro and 300mg/kg body weight in-vivo) has shown a significant dose dependent immunostimulating activity compared to control. Discussion and Conclusion: The immunostimulatory activity of the ethanolic extract of Passiflora foetida may probably due to the presence of flavonoids, glycosides and phytosterols. From the study it can be concluded the plant Passiflora foetida Linn could be considered as a treatment for the immune disorders. The present study supports the use of this plant in folk medicine.

Keywords: Passiflora foetida Linn.; Aerial parts; Pharmacological activities; Immunomodulatory; Polymorphonuclear cells.