Cytokine Mediated Immunomodulatory Properties of Selected Sri Lankan Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Present study has tested the immunomodulatory properties of Ethanolic extracts of roots of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn., Croton laccifer Linn. And Solanum surattense Burm. f, rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Rosc. and tubers of Cyperus rotundus Linn. in a rat model. Tested plant extracts induced significantly (P<0.05) higher inflammatory response and shorter recovery periods in paw edema assay and significantly(P<0.05) increased the production of cytokinesIL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ and TNF-α in a dose dependent manner. Tested plant extracts also resulted a significant (P<0.05) development of immunological memory and higher granulocyte adhesion percentages and significantly (P<0.05) up regulated granulocyte and monocyte counts. In contrast with control group the plant extract treated groups showed higher survival ratios when treated with immune suppressor Cyclophosphamide indicating a potential tolerance against immunosuppression. Taken together these findings indicated that studied plant extracts are positive immunomodulators in all aspects of the study.