Immunomodulatory effects of NIM-76, a volatile fraction from Neem oil

Exploring the Roles of Dietary Herbal Essential Oils in Aquaculture: A Review

The aquaculture sector is one of the main activities contributing to food security for humanity around the globe. However, aquatic animals are susceptible to several farming stressors involved in deteriorated growth performance, reduced productivity, and eventually high mortality rates. In some countries still, antibiotics and chemotherapies are comprehensively applied to control biotic stressors. Aside from the apparent benefits, the continuous usage of antibiotics develops bacterial resistance, deteriorates bacterial populations, and accumulates these compounds in the aquatic environment. Alternatively, environmentally friendly additives were used to avoid the direct and indirect impacts on the aquatic ecosystem and human health. In aquaculture, medicinal herbs and extracts are extensively used and approved for their growth-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties. Herbal essential oils contain many bioactive components with powerful antibacterial, antioxidative, and immunostimulant potentials, suggesting their application for aquatic animals. Essential oils can be provided via diet and can benefit aquatic animals by improving their well-being and health status. The use of essential oils in aquafeed has been studied in a variety of aquatic animals to determine their beneficial roles and optimum doses. The outputs illustrated that herbal essential oils are exciting alternatives to antibiotics with prominent growth promotion, antioxidative, and immunostimulant roles. Herein, we reviewed the beneficial roles of essential oils in aquaculture. This review also aims to describe trends in herbal essential oils use, mainly in commercial fish species, and to analyze different factors that affect essential oils’ efficacy on the growth performance, antioxidative, and immune responses of finfish species.

Harnessing the Phytotherapeutic Treasure Troves of the Ancient Medicinal Plant Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Associated Endophytic Microorganisms

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is an evergreen tree of the tropics and sub-tropics native to the Indian subcontinent with demonstrated ethnomedicinal value and importance in agriculture as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. This ancient medicinal tree, often called the "wonder tree", is regarded as a chemical factory of diverse and complex compounds with a plethora of structural scaffolds that is very difficult to mimic by chemical synthesis. Such multifaceted chemical diversity leads to a fantastic repertoire of functional traits, encompassing a wide variety of biological activity and unique modes of action against specific and generalist pathogens and pests. Until now, more than 400 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem including important bioactive secondary metabolites such as azadirachtin, nimbidin, nimbin, nimbolide, gedunin, and many more. In addition to its insecticidal property, the plant is also known for antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, hypoglycaemic, antiulcer, antifertility, anticarcinogenic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anxiolytic, molluscicidal, acaricidal, and antifilarial properties. Notwithstanding the chemical and biological virtuosity of neem, it has also been extensively explored for associated microorganisms, especially a class of mutualists called endophytic microorganisms (or endophytes). More than 30 compounds, including neem "mimetic" compounds, have been reported from endophytes harbored in the neem trees in different ecological niches. In this review, we provide an informative and in-depth overview of the topic that can serve as a point of reference for an understanding of the functions and applications of a medicinal plant such as neem, including associated endophytes, within the overall theme of phytopathology. Our review further exemplifies the already-noted current surge of interest in plant and microbial natural products for implications both within the ecological and clinical settings, for a more secure and sustainable future.

A systematic review on COVID-19 pandemic with special emphasis on curative potentials of Nigeria based medicinal plants

Despite the frightening mortality rate associated with COVID-19, there is no known approved drug to effectively combat the pandemic. COVID-19 clinical manifestations include fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and other complications. At present, there is no known effective treatment or vaccine that can mitigate/inhibit SARS-CoV-2. Available clinical intervention for COVID-19 is only palliative and limited to support. Thus, there is an exigent need for effective and non-invasive treatment. This article evaluates the possible mechanism of actions of SARS-CoV-2 and present Nigeria based medicinal plants which have pharmacological and biological activities that can mitigate the hallmarks of the pathogenesis of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mode of actions includes hyper-inflammation characterized by a severe and fatal hyper-cytokinaemia with multi-organ failure; immunosuppression; reduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enhance pulmonary vascular permeability causing damage to the alveoli; and further activated by open reading frame (ORF)3a, ORF3b, and ORF7a via c-Jun N- terminal kinase (JNK) pathway which induces lung damage. These mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 can be mitigated by a combination therapy of medicinal herbs based on their pharmacological activities. Since the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are multifactorial with co-morbidities, we strongly recommend the use of combined therapy such that two or more herbs with specific therapeutic actions are administered to combat the mediators of the disease.

Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System

The augmenting acceptance and application of herbal medicine in prevention and treatment of diseases also involve the use of plant essential oils (EOs) through different routes of administration (aromatherapy). Scientific data supporting the efficacy of certain herbal products are continuously growing; however, the cumulative evidence is not always sufficient. The anti-inflammatory properties of EOs have been investigated more extensively and also reviewed in different settings, but so far, our review is the first to summarize the immune-supporting properties of EOs. Our aim here is to synthesize the currently available data on the immune function enhancing effects of EOs. An online search was conducted in the PubMed database, which was terminated at the end of July 2019. Other articles were found in the reference lists of the preselected papers. Studies that applied whole EOs with known components, or single EO constituents under in vitro or in vivo laboratory conditions, or in human studies, and de facto measured parameters related to immune function as outcome measures were included. Two specific fields, EO dietary supplementation for livestock and fish, and forest bathing are also explored. Some EOs, particularly eucalyptus and ginger, seem to have immune function enhancing properties in multiple studies.

Leishmanicidal Activity of Piper nigrum Bioactive Fractions is Interceded via Apoptosis In Vitro and Substantiated by Th1 Immunostimulatory Potential In Vivo

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening protozoal infection chiefly impinging the rural and poor population in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. The deadly affliction is rapidly expanding after its association with AIDS, swiftly defying its status of a neglected disease. Despite successful formulation of vaccine against canine leishmaniasis, no licensed vaccine is yet available for human VL, chemotherapy is in appalling state, and the development of new candidate drugs has been painfully slow. In face of lack of proper incentives, immunostimulatory plant preparations owing antileishmanial efficacy bear potential to rejuvenate awful antileishmanial chemotherapy. We have earlier reported profound leishmanicidal activity of Piper nigrum hexane (PNH) seeds and P. nigrum ethanolic (PNE) fractions derived from P. nigrum seeds against Leishmania donovani promastigotes and amastigotes. In the present study, we illustrate that the remarkable anti-promastigote activity exhibited by PNH and PNE is mediated via apoptosis as evidenced by phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, arrest in sub G₀/G₁ phase, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and generation of reactive oxygen species. Further, P. nigrum bioactive fractions rendered significant protection to L. donovani infected BALB/c mice in comparison to piperine, a known compound present in Piper species. The substantial therapeutic potential of PNH and PNE was accompanied by elicitation of cell-mediated immune response. The bioactive fractions elevated the secretion of Th1 (INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) cytokines and declined IL-4 and IL-10. PNH and PNE enhanced the production of IgG2a, upregulated the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, augmented splenic CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell population, induced strong lymphoproliferative and DTH responses and partially stimulated NO production. PNH and PNE were devoid of any hepatic or renal toxicity. These encouraging findings merit further exploration of P. nigrum bioactive fractions as a source of potent and non-toxic antileishmanials.

Apoptosis mediated leishmanicidal activity of Azadirachta indica bioactive fractions is accompanied by Th1 immunostimulatory potential and therapeutic cure in vivo

BACKGROUND

Exploration of immunomodulatory antileishmanials of plant origin is now being strongly recommended to overcome the immune suppression evident during visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and high cost and toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapeutics. In accordance, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial and immunomodulatory potential of ethanolic fractions of Azadirachta indica leaves (ALE) and seeds (ASE).

METHODS

A. indica fractions were prepared by sequential extraction of the powdered plant parts in hexane, ethanol and water. Erythrosin B staining was employed to appraise the anti-promastigote potential of ALE and ASE. Cytostatic or cytocidal mode of action was ascertained and alterations in parasite morphology were depicted under oil immersion light microscopy. Study of apoptotic correlates was performed to deduce the mechanism of induced cell death and anti-amastigote potential was assessed in Leishmania parasitized RAW 264.7 macrophages. In vivo antileishmanial effectiveness was evaluated in L. donovani infected BALB/c mice, accompanied by investigation of immunomodulatory potential of ALE and ASE. Adverse toxicity of the bioactive fractions against RAW macrophages was studied by MTT assay. In vivo side effects on the liver and kidney functions were also determined. Plant secondary metabolites present in ALE and ASE were analysed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

ALE and ASE (500 μg ml(-1)) exhibited leishmanicidal activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner (IC₅₀ 34 and 77.66 μg ml(-1), respectively) with alterations in promastigote morphology and induction of apoptosis. ALE and ASE exerted appreciable anti-amastigote potency (IC₅₀ 17.66 and 24.66 μg ml(-1), respectively) that was coupled with profound in vivo therapeutic efficacy (87.76% and 85.54% protection in liver and 85.55% and 83.62% in spleen, respectively). ALE exhibited minimal toxicity with selectivity index of 26.10 whereas ASE was observed to be non-toxic. The bioactive fractions revealed no hepato- and nephro-toxicity. ALE and ASE potentiated Th1-biased cell-mediated immunity along with upregulation of INF-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 and decline in IL-4 and IL-10 levels. GC-MS analysis revealed several compounds that may have contributed to the observed antileishmanial effect.

CONCLUSION

Dual antileishmanial and immunostimulatory efficacy exhibited by the bioactive fractions merits their use alone or as adjunct therapy for VL.

Immunomodulatory effects of Stachytarpheta cayennensis leaf extract and its synergistic effect with artesunate

Background

The leaves of Stachytarpheta cayennensis C. Rich. (Verbenaceae) have been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial activities. Due to close association between inflammatory and immune responses, we evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of leaves extract of S. cayennensis. The combined effects of the leaves extract and artesunate, a standard antimalarial agent with immunomodulatory effects, were also evaluated.

Methods

The immunomodulatory activity of the methanol extract of the leaves of S. cayennensis (MESC) was evaluated in mice using the Delayed-Type hypersensitivity response (DTHR), primary and secondary humoral immune responses and the in vivo leucocyte mobilization tests. The immunomodulatory effect of artesunate and the combined effects of MESC and artesunate were evaluated using the phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Acute toxicity and lethality test in addition to the preliminary phytochemical studies of MESC were also performed.

Results

The MESC exhibited 64.21% inhibition of DTHR at 500 mg/kg dose and evoked 139.64% of phagocytic stimulation at 100 μg/ml dose. Also MESC significantly (p < 0.05) showed dose related stimulation of humoral immunity and a highest percentage leucocyte mobilization of 10.15% at 250 mg/kg dose. Artesunate offered a non-significant (p > 0.05) percentage phagocytic stimulation (PPS) while the combined effect of artesunate and MESC exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) dose dependent PPS with highest PPS of 393.77% at 100 μg/ml. The LD₅₀ of the MESC was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg since there were no lethality and signs of acute intoxication after 48 h observation. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids and steroids.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that MESC possesses immunostimulatory action with significant synergistic effects with artesunate, and can therefore, offer immune boosting activities in disorders of immune suppression.

Natural products and synthetic compounds as immunomodulators

Research on immunomodulation by natural products or synthetic derivatives is of key interest for anti-infective therapy for a number of reasons. Many plant remedies well-known in traditional medicine or refined natural products in clinical use exert their anti-infective effects not only (if at all) by directly affecting the pathogen. At least part of their effect is indirect, by stimulating natural and adaptive defense mechanisms of the host. These findings have now given many empirical therapies a rationale, scientific basis and thereby a means for 'intelligent' improvement. In discovering the molecular mechanisms by which known remedies exert their effects, chosen elements further down the 'chain of command' might be synthesized and applied directly for more rapid and selective cure, omitting unwanted side effects. The direct use of recombinant cytokines, often in combination with antibiotics, is one consequence of this rationale.

Review on pharmacological and toxicologyical effects of oleum azadirachti oil

Oleum azadirachti consists of the oil obtained from dried seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (family: Meliaceae). Local names of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. are Abodua, aforo-oyinbo, anwe egyane, arista, azad dirakht, azadarakht, azedarach and bead tree. Indigenous to India, and widely distributed in South and South-East Asia and cultivated in Africa, the South Pacific Islands, South and Central America and Australia, and in southern Florida and California, United States of America, it is a straight-boled deciduous tree, which is 6-25 m high. Bark is dark-brown, externally fissured with a buff inner surface and fibrous fracture. Leaves alternately arranged, pinnately compound and up to 40 cm long, and composed of 8-18 short-petiolate narrow-ovate, pointed and curved toothed leaflets, 3-10 cm long and 1-4 cm wide arranged in alternate pairs. The major constituents are oxidized tetranortriterpenes including azadirachtin (azadirachtin A), azadiriadione, epoxyazadiradione, azadirone, nimbidin, nimbin, deacetylnimbin, salannin, gedunin, mahmoodin, 17-hydroxydiradione and related derivatives. It is of various medicinal uses, such as a contraceptive for intravaginal use, a mosquito repellent, and treatment of vaginal infections, treatment of gastric ulcers, cardiovascular disease, malaria, rheumatism and skin disorders, external applications for treatment of septic wounds, ulcers and boils, treatment of allergic skin reactions, asthma, bruises, colic, conjunctivitis, dysmenorrhoea, fever, gout, headache, itching due to varicella, kidney stones, leukorrhoea, psoriasis, scabies, sprains and muscular pain, and wounds. It is also used as an emmenagogue, tonic, stomatic and vermicide. In conclusion, the plant oil had antifertility, antihyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiulcer, estrogenic, immune, contraceptive, antibacterial, insect repellent, and skin treatment effects.

Modulating effect of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz) Wight & arn against chromate (VI)-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress on mouse splenic lymphocytes and bone marrow derived macrophages

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Leptadenia reticulata (Retz) Wight & arn is mentioned in the ancient ayurvedic literature as an immune booster and rejuvenator.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

To investigate, the effects of different forms of the extract of Leptadenia reticulata [Aqueous extract (JAE), Padavashesha kashaya (JPK) and Tarpana kashaya (JTK)] to alleviate the experimental immunosuppression induced by the immunotoxicant chromate (VI) in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standard cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assays like MTT assay, trypan blue dye exclusion test, neutral red dye uptake test, NBT reduction test, determination of percentage cell survival and estimation of markers of oxidative stress were performed in the study. The study was conducted on primary cultures of mouse splenic lymphocytes and bone marrow derived macrophages.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with all the three forms of the extract used in the study offered protection against chromate (VI)-induced immunosuppression and the overall protective effect was found to be superior in the case of the aqueous extract of Leptadenia reticulata (JAE). These results confirm that Leptadenia reticulata acts as a modulator and alleviates the immunosuppressive conditions induced by chromate (VI).

Elimination of high-risk human papillomavirus type HPV16 infection by 'Praneem' polyherbal tablet in women with early cervical intraepithelial lesions

PURPOSE

'Praneem', a polyherbal formulation developed by us, has successfully completed Phase II efficacy study for treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge due to reproductive tract infections that act as co-factors for HPV persistence. In the present study we evaluated potential anti-HPV activity of Praneem in women infected with high risk HPV type 16.

METHODS

Twenty women molecularly diagnosed positive for HPV16 infection without or with low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or inflammation were assigned to receive intra-vaginal, topical application of either Praneem tablet or placebo for 30 days excluding the days of menstrual period and were evaluated for persistence of HPV infection using HPV L1 consensus and HPV type 16-specific PCR as primary outcome.

RESULTS

One course of Praneem treatment resulted in elimination of HPV in 6 out of 10 (60%) cases. A repeat treatment of four patients with persisting HPV infection resulted in clearance of HPV in two additional cases resulting in an overall 80% clearance of HPV 16 as against a spontaneous clearance of 10% (1/10) seen in the placebo arm. The elimination of HPV DNA was found to be accompanied by marked improvement in clinical symptoms and cytological abnormalities of Praneem-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed for the first time that a 30-day intra-vaginal application of the Praneem can result in elimination of HPV infection from the uterine cervix.

Cytoprotective and antioxidant activity of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) flavones against tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cytotoxicity in lymphocytes

This study was designed to determine the cytoprotective activity of flavones of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH), used as an oxidant to induce oxidative damage, with lymphocytes as the model system. Addition of tert-BOOH (250 microM) to the cells resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity and free radical production. The intracellular calcium levels, caspase activity, and apoptosis were significantly increased following tert-BOOH treatment. Seabuckthorn flavones at the concentration of 100 microg/mL significantly inhibited tert-BOOH-induced cytotoxicity and free radical production and also restored the antioxidant status to that of control cells. Seabuckthorn flavones also significantly restricted tert-BOOH-induced apoptosis by decreasing intracellular calcium levels and caspase activity. The extract also decreased tert-BOOH-induced formation of DNA breaks by 30%. These observations suggest that the flavones of seabuckthorn have marked cytoprotective properties, which could be attributed to the antioxidant activity.

Comparative cytoprotective activity of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene against chromium induced oxidative stress in murine macrophages

The present study reports the cytoprotective efficacy of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene against chromium (VI) induced oxidative stress in murine macrophages. Addition of chromium (VI) resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity as revealed by fall in neutral red uptake and increase in LDH release compared to control cells. Further there was an appreciable increase in apoptosis, ROS production and fall in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Chromium also inhibited macrophage proliferation and phagocytic activity. Addition of vitamin C but not vitamin E and beta-carotene inhibited chromium induced cytotoxicity, ROS generation and apoptosis. Vitamin C significantly inhibited NO production, enhanced macrophage proliferation and phagocytic activity while vitamin E and beta-carotene had marginal effect.

Immunomodulatory effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) against chromium (VI) induced immunosuppression

The present study reports the immunomodulatory effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) leaf extract on cellular and humoral immune response by studying delayed-type hypersensitivity response, IL-2, IL-4 and gamma-IFN levels and antibody titres in chromium-induced immunosuppressed animals. Oral feeding of chromium (30 mg/kg bw) significantly inhibited antibody production and S-RBC induced delayed-type hypersensitivity response. Administration of leaf extract (100 mg/kg bw) along with chromium significantly inhibited chromium-induced immunosuppression. To understand the immunomodulatory mechanism of leaf extract, in vitro studies were carried out using rat lymphocytes. Addition of chromium resulted in a significant decrease in lymphocyte size and increased ROS generation. The leaf extract of seabuckthorn significantly inhibited chromium-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and maintained the cell size identical to that of control cells. Chromium treatment markedly inhibited the mitochondrial transmembrane potential by larger lymphocytes in particular, while the leaf extract restored the same significantly. Chromium also inhibited significantly concanavalin A (ConA) induced IL-2, IL-4 and gamma-IFN production in rat lymphocytes. The leaf extract (100 microg/ml) alone stimulated IL-2 and gamma-IFN production even in the absence of ConA and also inhibited chromium-induced decline in IL-2 and gamma-IFN production but it did not change IL-4 production. These observations suggest that the leaf extract of seabuckthorn has significant immunomodulatory activity and specifically activates the cell-mediated immune response.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf mediated immune activation causes prophylactic growth inhibition of murine Ehrlich carcinoma and B16 melanoma

Conditional growth inhibition of murine Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) and B16 melanoma (B16Mel) was observed, following treatment of mice (Swiss and C57BL/6) with aqueous extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) (1 unit/mice/week for 4 weeks) either before or after inoculation of 1 x 10(6) tumor cells. Tumor inoculation after weekly injections for 4 weeks with neem leaf preparation (NLP) induced significant reduction of tumor growth (both EC and B16Mel) and increased survivability of mice. On the other hand, NLP treatment after tumor inoculation demonstrated no tumor growth inhibition in the NLP treated group in comparison to the PBS treated control. No direct cytotoxic effect of NLP towards EC and B16Mel tumor cells was observed in vitro. The spleen cells of NLP treated mice when mixed with inoculum of B16Mel tumor cells and injected into a group of mice, tumor growth was found to be significantly reduced and survivability of the tumor hosts increased remarkably in comparison to mice inoculated with tumor along with normal spleen cells. Concanavalin A (ConA) induced proliferation of lymphocytes from NLP treated mice was significantly higher than the lymphocytes of untreated mice. In in vitro, NLP by itself had no proliferative effects on lymphocytes but it co-stimulated ConA induced mitogenesis. NLP induced lymphocytosis as evidenced by increased lymphocyte count in blood as well as spleen. Flow cytometric evidence suggested that increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells accounted for lymphocytosis. The conditional tumor growth retardation, observed in mice treated with NLP before tumor inoculation, may be regulated by NLP mediated immune activation, having prominent role in the cellular immune function of the tumor host.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Premna tomentosa (L. Verbenaceae) Extract in J 779 Macrophage Cell Cultures Under Chromate (VI)-Induced Immunosuppression

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the immunomodulatory effects of Premna tomentosa extract against chromate (VI)-induced toxicity was assessed in J 779 macrophage cell line.

DESIGN

The cells were analyzed for cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, oxidant burst, antioxidant status, and cell proliferation.

RESULT

Chromate treatment resulted in a significant increase in cytotoxicity and free radical production. Furthermore, there is a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx). There was an appreciable decrease in cell proliferation and phagocytosis by macrophages in the presence of chromate. However, pretreatment of the cells with P. tomentosa extract (500 microg concentration), 30 minutes prior to chromate (VI) treatment resulted in a significant inhibition of chromate-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species production. The extract also restored the antioxidant status, cell proliferation, and phagocytosis similar to that of control cells.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the cytoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of the leaves of P. tomentosa and its possible usage in immunosuppressed conditions.

Immunomodulatory effects of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens in experimental animals

The immunomodulatory properties of ethanol insoluble fraction of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens Linn. (TPEIF) have been investigated. After intraperitoneal administration of TPEIF in doses of 0.25 and 0.5 g/kg body weight (BW) a significant increase in phagocytic index, leukocyte count and spleenic antibody secreting cells was noticed. Stimulation of humoral immune response was further observed with elevation in heamagglutination antibody titer. Heightened delayed type hypersensitivity reaction suggested convincing evidence for activation of cellular immune system. Protective action of herbal medicine in case of anaphylactic shock was also studied. In addition, elicitation of specific antibody titer against tetanus toxoid (TT) challenge was measured in order to explore the possible use as adjuvant along with clinical vaccination program to reduce number of non-responders. The results suggest that TPEIF influences both humoral as well as cell mediated immune system vis-a-vis assists in genesis of improved antibody response against specific clinical antigen.

Immunomodulatory effects of Premna tomentosa extract against Cr (VI) induced toxicity in splenic lymphocytes--an in vitro study

Premna tomentosa (L. Verbanacae) is a widely used medicinal plant. Our earlier studies show that the extract of P. tomentosa leaves prevents acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity owing to its antioxidant property. In the present study, we have investigated the immunomodulatory effects of P. tomentosa extract against Chromium (VI) induced immunosuppression in splenic lymphocytes. Chromium (Cr) addition at a concentration of 5 microg showed an increase in cytotoxicity, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in lymphocyte proliferation and antioxidant levels, whereas pre-treatment of the cells with P. tomentosa extract (at 500 microg concentration) resulted in decreased cytotoxicity and ROS levels. Further, the drug treatment also maintained antioxidant levels and restored lymphocyte proliferation similar to that of control cells. The results indicated that the leaf extract of P. tomentosa has cytoprotective and immunomodulatory activities.

Cyto-protective and immunomodulating properties of Amla (Emblica officinalis) on lymphocytes: an in-vitro study

The fruits extracts of Emblica officinalis (Amla) has been reported to have strong anti-oxidant properties. There is a paucity of studies on the immunomodulatory properties of fruit extracts of Amla in immuno-compromised states, with the emphasis on lymphocytes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Amla using chromium (VI) as an immunosuppressive agent. Chromium (Cr) treatment results in enhanced cytotoxicity, free radical production, lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and diminished glutathione (GSH) levels. There was a significant inhibition of both lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin-A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. Chromium also inhibited Con A stimulated interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon production significantly. Further, there was enhanced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in the presence of Cr. Amla significantly inhibited Cr-induced free radical production and restored the anti-oxidant status back to control level. Amla also inhibited apoptosis and DNA fragmentation induced by Cr. Interestingly, Amla relieved the immunosuppressive effects of Cr on lymphocyte proliferation and even restored the IL-2 and gamma-IFN production considerably.

Anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)--an in vitro study

This study was designed to determine the anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) using lymphocytes as a model system. Chromium(VI) as potassium dichromate was used to induce oxidative damage. The production of free radicals by chromium and the ability of alcoholic leaf and fruit extracts of seabuckthorn to inhibit the oxidative damage induced by chromium was investigated. Addition of chromium (10 microg/ml) to the cells resulted in enhanced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, free radical production and decreased glutathione (reduced) levels. Chromium also caused a significant inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation induced by both lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin A. Alcoholic extracts of leaves and fruits of seabuckthorn at a concentration of 500 microg/ml were found to inhibit chromium-induced free radical production, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and restored the anti-oxidant status to that of control cells. In addition, these extracts also were able to arrest the chromium-induced inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. These observations suggest that the alcoholic extracts of leaves and fruits of seabuckthorn have marked cytoprotective properties, which could be attributed to the anti-oxidant activity.

Anti-microbial activity of a new vaginal contraceptive NIM-76 from neem oil (Azadirachta indica)

Efficacy of NIM-76, a spermicidal fraction from neem oil, was investigated for its antimicrobial action against certain bacteria, fungi and Polio virus as compared to whole neem oil. The NIM-76 preparation showed stronger anti-microbial activity than the whole neem oil. It inhibited growth of various pathogens tested including Escherichia coli and Kleibsiella pneumoniae which were not affected by the whole neem oil. NIM-76 also exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans and antiviral activity against Polio virus replication in vero cell lines. It also protected mice from systemic candidiasis as revealed by enhanced % survival and reduced colony forming units of C. albicans in various tissues. This shows that NIM-76 has a potent broad spectrum anti-microbial activity.

Effect of Kombucha tea on chromate(VI)-induced oxidative stress in albino rats

The effect of Kombucha tea (KT) on oxidative stress induced changes in rats subjected to chromate treatment are reported. KT feeding alone did not show any significant change in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, but did enhance humoral response and delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response appreciably over control animals. Chromate treatment significantly enhanced plasma and tissue MDA levels, decreased DTH response considerably, enhanced glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities; however, no change in GSH, superoxide dismutase and antibody titres was noticed. KT feeding completely reversed the chromate-induced changes. These results show that Kombucha tea has potent anti-oxidant and immunopotentiating activities.

Protective effects of peony root extract and its components on neuron damage in the hippocampus induced by the cobalt focus epilepsy model

Protective effects of peony root extract and its components on neuron damage in the CA1 area of the hippocampus induced by the cobalt focus epilepsy model were examined. Neuron damage in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and frequent spike discharges induced by application of metallic cobalt to the cerebral cortex of rats were completely prevented when peony root extract was continuously administered orally at 1 g/kg/day for 30 days prior to cobalt application. Component crude gallotannin fraction showed marked but incomplete protective action. A combination of crude gallotannin fraction and paeoniflorin showed complete protective action in the same way as peony root extract against neuron damage although use of paeoniflorin alone had no effect. These findings together with our previous reports indicate that peony root extract and its component, gallotannin, have excellent protective effects on neuron damage in addition to anticonvulsant action by prior oral administration.