Cytokines modulating potential of <em>Neolamarckia cadamba</em> (Roxb.) Bosser

Abstract

Immunomodulatory activity of hot aqueous extract of <em>Neolamarckia cadamba</em> leaves with particular reference to splenocyte proliferation and induction of cytokines has been investigated using Wistar albino rat model. Study of hot aqueous extract (HAE) of <em>N. cadamba</em> leaves over cell mediated immune response was carried out using six groups (Gp-I as control, Gp-II treated with 20 µg/mL HAE, Gp-III treated with 50 µg/mL HAE, Gp-IV treated with 100 µg/mL HAE, Gp-V treated with 250 µg/mL HAE and Gp-VI treated with 500 µg/mL HAE) of Wistar albino rats containing six animals in each. <em>In vitro</em> cell mediated immune response was assayed by 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) using Concanavalin A (Con A) stimulated splenocytes in presence of different concentrations of HAE (20-500 µg/mL). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) were assayed in culture supernatant of splenocyte by sandwich ELISA in presence of different concentrations of HAE (20-500 µg/mL). <em>In vitro </em>study revealed dose dependent proliferation of Con A treated splenocyte. Augmentation in the proliferation of splenocytes reflects cell mediated immunostimulatory potential of HAE. Dose dependent significant decreased (p < 0.01) in the level of IL-10 and TNF-α was observed in supernatant of 48 hours splenocytes culture in presence of increasing concentrations of HAE while IFN-γ level was found to be increased significantly (p < 0.01) with increase in HAE concentrations. It is concluded that HAE of <em>N. cadamba</em> leaves regulate the networking of cytokines, suggesting its possible role in regulating the activity of immune system of host.