Immuno-modulatory activity of Rasayana Churna (An Ayurvedic compound formulation) in wistar albino rats

Abstract

Background: Rasayana Churna is a poly-herbal formulation comprising fine powders of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Linn.), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Linn.) in equal quantities. In Ayurveda, it is expected that the therapeutic efficacy of drug will be increased by levigating with its own juice or decoction. Kupeelu (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.) is incorporated in this formulation since it is having analgesic, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. In current work, the immuno-modulatory activity of Rasayana Churna and Bhavita Rasayana Churna each mixed with Kupeelu was evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in suitable experimental models. Methods: Test drugs were administered orally to the albino rats at a dose of 540mg/kg body weight. Haemagglutination titre, body weight, hematological and histological observations were recorded to assess effects on humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed by immunological paw edema volume. Results: Both the test drugs have minimal effects on SRBC induced humoral immune response. They did not modify the antibody titre values, hematological values and histo-pathological parameters. Both the drugs produced marked effect on cell mediated immunity response against triple antigen. Conclusion: Rasayana Churna mixed with Kupeelu have more pronounced effect as compared to Bhavita Rasayana Churna mixed with Kupeelu in suppressing immunological edema.

Keywords

• haemagglutination titre
• immune-modulatory activity
• rasayana churna
• strychnos nux-vomica