Rhododendron arboreum (Ericaceae): Immunomodulatory and related toxicity studies

摘要

In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the extract of the leaves of Rhododendron arboreum for immunomodulatory activity and related hepatotoxicity. Alcoholic extract of the leaves of R. arboreum was prepared by hot percolation method. Levamisole was used as the standard drug. The parameters like, humoral immune response, cell mediated immune response and total leukocyte counts (TLC) were assessed in the antigenically challenged mice with sheep RBC (SRBC). Liver function tests like total bilirubin, SGPT and SGOT were also evaluated. The, orally administered alcoholic extract of the leaves showed a significant suppression of the immune responses, in a dose dependent manner. The extract at the maximum dose (100 mg/kg) was found to possess higher immunosuppressant effect in comparison with control and levamisole (p < 0. 001). No significant difference was observed in the weights of liver and spleen of extract-treated mice in comparison with levamisole and vehicle treated mice. Liver function tests of extract-treated mice were also statistically insignificant in comparison with levamisole and vehicle-treated mice. Thus, it can be concluded that the alcoholic extract of R. arboreum is an effective and safe immunosuppressive agent.