IMMUNOMODULATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF CAESALPINIA PULCHERRIMA (AERIAL PARTS)

*Kumar Ashish, Chakraborthy G. S., Gupta Sushma, Das Saumya, Kumar Manish and Chauhan Nidhi

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study: In the present study the immunomodulatory and the antioxidant activity of aerial parts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima were investigated by in vitro and in vivo methods. Materials and methods: The hydro-Alcoholic extract was screened for various phytoconstituents and tried for co-relation with biological activity. Hydro-alcoholic extract was tested for antioxidant by DPPH radicals scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging (H2O2) assay. Immunomodulatory activity was evaluated by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and percentage adhesion of neutrophils to nylon fibers compare with control group. Results: The evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a significant dose-dependent increase in DTH reaction induced by SRBC and at higher dose significantly (P<0.01) increased the percentage of adhesion of Neutrophils to nylon fibers when compared with the normal animals group. The results were comparable with control group. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima showed significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. The hydro alcoholic extract showed significantly the highest % of inhibition of DPPH scavenging ability and H2O2 assay when compare to chloroform and ethanolic extract but minute less to ascorbic acid as a reference. Conclusion: The present investigation supports the use of Caesalpinia pulcherrima for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. Hydro-Alcoholic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima contains bioactive principles, which possess immunostimulant activity.

Keywords: Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, DTH Activity, Neutrophil adhesion test, Hydro-Alcoholic extract.