The ameliorative effects of Averroha carambola on humoral response to sheep erythrocytes in non-treated and cyclophosphamide-immunocompromised mice

ObjectiveTo evaluated immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaves in mice.MethodsThe assessment of immunomodulatory activity on specific and non-specific immunity was studied by administration of test extract by oral feeding canula to the test groups. Hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hematological profile (Hb, WBC, RBC), lipid per oxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were determined by in vivo experiments.ResultsThe evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of A. carambola (800 and 1 200 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a dose-dependent increase in antibody titer values and DTH reaction induced by SRBC was also found significant (P<0.001). Also it caused increase in hematological profile, GSH, SOD, CAT activity and significantly decreased LPO levels in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. Result shows that the extract treated animals showed up regulation of (IL-6 and TNF-α) cytokines.ConclusionsImmunomodulators are being used as an adjuvant in conditions of immunodeficiency in cancer and to a limited extent in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The results obtained in this study indicate that A. carambola possesses potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity.