Study on Immunomodulators from Various Plant Species

Abstract

The preliminary phase of this research work, it was observed that alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins and free aminocids, saponins, tannins and phenolic compounds and terpenoids were the phytoconstituents present in the methanolic extract of Nymphaea nouchali and Trichosanthes dioica. These phytoconstituents might play an effective role to bring out electron-transferring system and intracellular killing in in vitro immunomodulatory assays which gives them an immuno modulation property. Also noted that phosphatidyl ethanolamine phytosomes was better than that of other phospholipids used. Stability studies had shown that phosphatidyl ethanolamine phytosomes exhibited maximum drug content even after 6 months when stored at 40±2°C / 75% RH. Also a maximum of 89% of entrapment efficiency was achieved by means of this research work. The results of in vitro release of the phytosomes with various phospholipids have shown that the phytosomes formulated with phosphatidyl ethanolamine gave prolonged release with highest cumulative percentage of drug than other phospholipids. In vivo characteristics of sterilized phytosomes containing Nymphaea nouchali and Trichosanthes dioica with phosphatidyl ethanolamine was administered intraperitonially to mice for 21 days produced excellent result in stimulating the immune system against the challenging agents. Thus, the present study has shown the immunostimulatory activity of Nn and Td and suggested their therapeutic usefulness. They have stimulated both humoral as well as cellular arms of the immune system. The methanolic extracts of two botanicals, Nymphaea nouchali and Trichosanthes dioica, were converted into phytosomes and evaluated for immunomodulatory activity. The results of this research work provide a scientific evidence for the traditional use of Nymphaea nouchali and Trichosanthes dioica. Also the phytosome technology can offer an alternative therapy for the treatment of many ailments including AIDS, TB, etc and may be used in irnmunocompromised patients for boosting their immune system.