Immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extracts of Pongamia glabra Vent. seeds and bark in cyclophosphamide induced mice

Abstract

Immune activation is an effective as well as a protective and novel approach against emerging infectious diseases. Traditionally Pongamia glabra Vent claimed to cure infectious diseases needs scientifi c validation as immunomodulatory agent. Methanolic extracts of seeds and barks at the doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg (per oral) of Pongamia glabra Vent. were studied for the assessment of immunomodulatory activity on cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression in mice. The activity was assessed by determining the RBC, Hb%, platelet, total WBC and differential counts. Methanolic extracts of seeds and barks of Pongamia glabra Vent. showed dose dependent highly signifi cant counteracting effect (p<0.001) to cyclophosphamide induced reduction in total WBC and platelet counts and signifi cant (p<0.01) effect to that of reduction in RBC counts, Hb% and DLC. The signifi cant inmmunostimulant effect of the methanolic extracts of Pongamia glabra Vent. seeds and bark on cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression may be attributed towards the collective presence of saponins, sterols, tannins and fl avonoids in the extracts.