Immunostimulant principles from Curculigo orchioides.

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Curculigo orchioides Gaerten (Amryllidaceae) has traditional uses for various ailments.
• Previous studies indicated its methanolic extract enhances macrophage phagocytic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and evaluate immunostimulant compounds from Curculigo orchioides.
• To investigate the effects of isolated compounds on various immune parameters.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of two phenolic glycosides and a purified glycoside fraction.
• Assessment of effects on macrophage migration index (MMI), haemagglutination (HA) titre, plaque forming cell (PFC), PHA-induced blast transformation of lymphocytes (BTL), and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH).

Main Results:

• A purified glycoside-rich fraction from the ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant immunostimulant activity.
• The fraction enhanced HA titre and PFC count, indicating stimulation of humoral immunity.
• The fraction also enhanced DTH response, indicating stimulation of cell-mediated immunity.

Conclusions:

• The glycoside-rich fraction of Curculigo orchioides stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
• The active components appear to act on both macrophages and lymphocytes.
• Further structural elucidation of the active glycoside is warranted.