Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of Clerodendrum phlomidis and Premna integrifolia root

Abstract

Roots of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. f. suppl. and Premna integrifolia Linn. Mant. (Verbanacea) are known under the common name Arni/ Agnimantha. Roots of both the plants are important rasayana drugs and are considered to be useful in the treatment of variety of ailments. Roots of either of these two plants are incorporated as Arni/Agnimantha in many valued and popular Ayurvedic formulations. So the present study was aimed at evaluating the two roots for their immunomodulatory potential. Oral administration of methanol extracts of both the roots (300 mg kg-1 × 7 days) in mice prior to immunization with Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) resulted in a significant increase in haemagglutinating antibody titre, plaque forming cell assay and delayed type hypersensitivity to SRBC. C. phlomidis showed higher specific immune activity as compared to P. integrifolia, C. phlomidis and P. integrifolia enhanced the non specific immune response in carbon clearance test and showed significant immunoprophylactic effect, when tested on E. coli induced abdominal sepsis. In the present study C. phlomidis showed higher response to specific immune activity as compared to P. integrifolia, where as in case of non specific immune activity both the roots showed almost equal response. © 2007 Asian Network for Scientific Information.