Immunopotentiality of Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations Saribadi and Anantamul Salsa with augmentation of IgM production and lymphocytes proliferation: A preliminary study

Objective: To assess the immunopotentiality of Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations, Saribadi and Anantamul Salsa. Methods: Freshly prepared BALB/c mice splenocytes were cultured with Saribadi or Anantamul Salsa treatment [doses of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00%, 3.00% and 4.00% (v/v)] at 37 degrees C for 5 days. The immunoglobulin M (IgM)production and lymphocytes proliferation were determined by ELISA and MTT methods, respectively. Endotoxin contamination was assessed by treating the preparations with polymyxin B. Results: The doses of Saribadi [0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.00% (v/v)] significantly increased IgM productions (0.966, 0.728, 0.695 and 0.615 mu g/mL vs. control 0.265 mu g/mL) and lymphocytes proliferation [absorbance 0.311, 0.394, 0.372 and 0.334 optical density (OD) vs. control 0.162 OD]. Similarly, the doses of Anantamul Salsa [0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.50% (v/v)] promoted IgM productions (0.933, 0.919, 0.917 and 0.892 mu g/mL vs. control 0.502 mu g/mL) and the doses of Anantamul Salsa [0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.50%, 2.00%, and 3.00% (v/v)] stimulated lymphocytes proliferation (absorbance 0.395, 0.326, 0.440, 0.398, 0.452 and 0.355 OD vs. control 0.199 OD). The activity of Saribadi and Anantamul Salsa was not retarded by the treatment of preparations with polymyxin B. Conclusions: Immunomodulatory activity of Saribadi and Anantamul Salsa was unveiled for the first time. Saribadi and Anantamul Salsa possess immunostimulating potential acting through the induction of lymphocyte proliferation and IgM production. These preparations may be useful in strengthening immune responses. However, further cellular and in vivo studies are required.