Objective: To evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the aerial roots of
Ficus benghalensis
(Family Moraceae).
Materials and Methods: Various extracts of the aerial roots of
Ficus benghalensis were evaluated for potential immunomodulatory activity, using the
in vitro polymorphonuclear leucocyte (human neutrophils) function test. The methanol extract was evaluated for immunomodulatory activity in
in vivo studies, using rats as the animal model. The extracts were tested for hypersensitivity and hemagglutination reactions, using sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as the antigen. Distilled water served as a control in all the tests.
Results: The successive methanol and water extracts exhibited a significant increase in the percentage phagocytosis versus the control. In the
in vivo studies, the successive methanol extract was found to exhibit a dose related increase in the hypersensitivity reaction, to the SRBC antigen, at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg. It also resulted in a significant increase in the antibody titer value, to SRBC, at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg in animal studies.
Conclusion: The successive methanol extract was found to stimulate cell mediated and antibody mediated immune responses in rats. It also enhanced the phagocytic function of the human neutrophils,
in vitro.
