Selective Th2 upregulation by crocus sativus: A neutraceutical spice

Abstract

The immunomodulatory activity of an Indian neutraceutical spice, saffron (Crocus sativus) was studied on Th 1 and Th 2 limbs of the immune system. Oral administration of alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (ACS) at graded dose levels from 1.56-50mg/kg p.o. potentiated the Th 2 response of humoral immunity causing the significant increases in agglutinating antibody titre in mice at a dose of 6.25mg/kg and an elevation of CD19+ B cells and IL-4 cytokine, a signature cytokine of Th 2 pathway. Appreciable elevation in levels of IgG-1 and IgM antibodies of the primary and secondary immune response was observed. However, ACS showed no appreciable expression of the Th 1 cytokines IL-2 (growth factor for CD4+ T cells) and IFN- (signature cytokine of Th 1 response). A significant modulation of immune reactivity was observed in all the animal models used. This paper represents the selective upregulation of the Th 2 response of the test material and suggests its use for subsequent selective Th 2 immunomodulation.