Abstract

Amarkand plants are routinely used by Indian tribes for health and longevity. Taxonomically, Amarkand includes species from genera Eulophia and Dioscorea. Comparative immunomodulatory potential of Amarkand extracts were examined through biochemical, hematological, serological and histopathological analysis. A significant effect on the modulation of immune reactivity was observed in bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera and tubers of Eulophia ochreata. A significant increase was also observed in relative organ weights, hematological parameters and total protein by E. ochreata (500 mg/kg) treatment compared to the negative control group. While aminotransferase enzyme levels have shown a significant decrease by the treatment of E. ochreata and D. bulbifera extracts, D. bulbifera (300 mg/kg) showed greater (61.7±3.62%) neutrophil adhesion and a significant increase in delayed type hypersensitivity response. E. ochreata treatment showed increased haemagglutination titre compared to negative control, thereby providing evidence that D. bulbifera and E. ochreata possessed immunomodulatory activity. Histopathology of rat organs treated with D. bulbifera and E. ochreata, showed normal cytoarchitecture and less neutrophil infiltration as compared to the negative control group, suggesting no evidence of pathological signs. Our findings demonstrated that E. ochreata and D. bulbifera have immunomodulatory potential and provide the basis for an alternative approach to investigate new traditional remedies.