Abstract
Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & Fernandes (Liliaceae) is an ayurvedic Rasayana herb with immunostimulating properties. The polysaccharide fraction (CBP) derived from hot water extraction of C. borivilianum (CB), comprising of ∼31% inulin-type fructans and ∼25% acetylated mannans (of hot water-soluble extract), was evaluated for its effect on natural killer (NK) cell activity (in vitro). Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), isolated from whole blood on a Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient, were tested in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of each C. borivilianum fraction for modulation of NK cell cytotoxic activity toward K562 cells. Preliminary cytotoxicity evaluation against P388 cells was performed to establish non-cytotoxic concentrations of the different fractions. Testing showed the observed significant stimulation of NK cell activity to be due to the CBP of C. borivilianum. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation carried out on Wistar strain albino rats for humoral response to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and immunoglobulin-level determination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), exhibited an effectiveness of C. borivilianum aqueous extract in improving immune function. Present results provide useful information for understanding the role of CBP in modulating immune function.
Highlights
Chlorophytum borivilianum constitutes an important class of ayurvedic herbs which are known as Rasayana, that is, herbs with immunostimulatory and adaptogenic properties [1]
Effectiveness of C. borivilianum on various aspects of the immune system was clearly demonstrated in the present study
CBC, CBP and CBR were evaluated for their effect on natural killer (NK) cell activity, humoral and cellular immune response
Summary
Chlorophytum borivilianum constitutes an important class of ayurvedic herbs which are known as Rasayana, that is, herbs with immunostimulatory and adaptogenic properties [1]. “Rasayana” therapy is a specialized measure in Ayurveda that deals with the proper modulation of the neuro-endocrinoimmunological system [2]. Rasayan therapy aims to boost and nourish the body to balance the bodily functions and counteract the aging process by bringing homeostasis, that is, a balance between the various bodily humors Major phytochemical components reported from the roots of C. borivilianum include steroidal saponins, fructans and fructoligosaccharides (FOS), acetylated mannans, phenolic compounds and proteins [9,10,11,12]. The plant is acclaimed for various health benefits, which include its ability to ameliorate hyperlipidemia, diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction and prevent heat-induced testicular damage. The plant is considered to be useful as an antioxidant [13,14,15,16]
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