Immunostimulant activity of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir: a useful plant for infectious tropical diseases

ObjectiveTo confirm the ethnomedicinal claim of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir as immune enhancer.MethodsThe hydroalcoholic extract of fruits and leaves of the plant were evaluated for immunostimulant activity on albino mice at the dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg orally. The assessment of immunostimulant activity on specific and non-specific immunity was studied by neutrophil adhesion test, carbon clearance test and cyclophosphamide induced myelosuppression. Cyclophosphamide (30 mg/kg) was used to induce immunosuppresion in mice and levamisole (50 mg/kg) was used as immunostimulating agent.ResultsOral administration of both the doses of fruit and leaf extracts showed significant increase in phagocytic activity (***P<0.001) and the percentage of neutrophil adhesion (**P<0.01). Significant increase in white blood cell (*P<0.05, **P<0.01) count was seen on administration of both the doses of fruits and leaves extracts.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that both the plant parts triggers specific and non-specific responses and thus reveals a promise to hold immunostimulant activity.