Immunomodulatory Activity of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ocimum sanctum

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum (ALEOS) by in-vitro and in-vivo methods. Materials and Methods: Extracts and standard drug were administered orally for 14 days. The immunomodulatory activity were studied in Wistar strain rats by the following parameters like Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), Humoral Antibody Titre (HAT), Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) and Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC). Results: The effect of ALEOS 200 and 400 mg/kg on DTH response is significantly (P < 0.05) increased when compared with the control group. In HAT the ALEOS 200 mg/kg showed significant (P < 0.05) effect and ALEOS 400 mg/kg, Standard treatment produced highly significant (P < 0.01) when compared with control group. ALEOS 200, 400 mg/kg and standard treatment shows highly significant (P < 0.01) in TLC when compared with control group. In DLC count ALEOS 200 mg/kg showed significant effect (P < 0.05) only but in ALEOS 400 mg/kg and standard treatment shows highly significant (P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Physiochemical examination of the extract showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, saponins, phenolics, tannins and alkaloids. Conclusion: Based on the results it can be concluded that the plant Ocimum sanctum was found to be a better herb for immunomodulatory activity. Further studies are required to understand the mechanism of action at the molecule level to support these findings.