<em>In vitro</em> immunomodulatory potential of macromolecular components derived from the aqueous extract of <em>ajowan</em> [<em>Trachyspermum ammi</em> (L.) Sprague]

Abstract

<em>Ajowan</em> [<em>Trachyspermum ammi</em> (L.) Sprague] has proven medicinal and nutritive properties. The role of <em>ajowan</em> within the intricate network of interaction of cells of the immune system has also been quite studied. In this present study, the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharide/polysaccharide-protein complexes (PPCs) have been assessed.<em>Ajowan</em> aqueous extract was precipitated with ethanol followed by dialysis. The resultant dialyzed solution was subjected to DEAE-Cellulose column chromatography by stepwise elution with sodium chloride (0-0.5M); 0.4 M NaCl eluate showed effective mitogenic activity towards splenocytes and hence named as, <em>ajowan</em> immunomodulatory component (ImC). This component of interest comprised of acidic polysaccharides, glycoproteins and associated bound phenolics. ImC induced proliferation of murine splenocytes effectively at the concentration of 1 &mu;g mL^&minus;1(p &lt; 0.005). Pronase treated ImC (Imc-Pt) failed to elicit mitogenic effect towards splenocytes; however, it could activate peritoneal exudate cells for synthesis of nitric oxide and phagocytosis at the minimum concentration of 10 ng mL^&minus;1 (p &lt; 0.005). From the above results it can be concluded that both protein and polysaccharide constituents of ImC have independent roles in its immunomodulation property, <em>i</em>.<em>e</em><em>.,</em> protein on B-lymphocyte proliferation and carbohydrates on macrophage activation.