Abstract

Immunological studies on the aerial roots of the Indian banyan

Author(s): Tabassum Khan, Pratima Tatke, SY Gabhe
C. U. Shah College of Pharmacy, S. N. D. T. Women's University, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai-400 049, India

Correspondence Address:
S Y Gabhe C. U. Shah College of Pharmacy, S. N. D. T. Women's University, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai-400 049 India E-mail: sygabhe@yahoo.com


The aqueous extract of the aerial roots the Indian Banyan, Ficus benghalensis L. (Family: Moraceae) was evaluated for its effect on both specific and non-specific immunity. This extract exhibited a significant increase in percentage phagocytosis by human neutrophils in the in vitro tests. It exhibited promising immunostimulant activity at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in SRBC induced hypersensitivity reaction and hemagglutination reaction in rats. The aqueous extract was found to stimulate the cell mediated and antibody mediated immune responses.

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