A comparative analysis of immunomodulatory potential of Seabuckthorn leaf extract in young and old mice

Aging is associated with increased susceptibility to infection, cancer or autoimmune diseases. One strategy to combat the increased morbidity and mortality related to these diseases in the elderly is to identify ways to prevent the immunological deficiencies. The immune system of the elderly may be boosted by use of immunomodulators. To determine the effect of aging on splenocyte proliferation, IFN-γ, CD 25 and MHC class II antigen expression, we have compared the immune response of young (3 month) and old (> 17 month) group of mice immunized with diphtheria toxoid (DT) in combination with complete freund's adjuvant CFA) or Seabucthorn leaf alcoholic extract (SBTLAE). The data observed in the present study indicates that the IFN-γ production, CD25 and MHC-II expression is lowered in elderly mice however use of SBTLAE increased IFN-γ, CD25 and MHC II expression. The splenocyte proliferation was not very much affected in comparison to young group of mice. The present study suggests that Seabuckthorn may be used as immunomodulators to strengthen the immune response of aged ones.