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Immunomodulatory active compounds from Tinospora cordifolia
Upendra Sharma1, Manju Bala, Neeraj Kumar
1Natural Plant Products Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176 061, India.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
|April 5, 2012
Summary
Tinospora cordifolia exhibits significant immunomodulatory activity, with seven compounds isolated and characterized for their immune-boosting effects. These compounds enhance phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species production, suggesting a synergistic mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tinospora cordifolia, known as "Rasayana," is a traditional Ayurvedic herb with diverse medicinal properties.
- It is widely recognized for its tonic, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antiallergic, and antidiabetic effects.
- The herb is valued for its potential to enhance the immune system and bolster resistance to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize compounds from Tinospora cordifolia with immunomodulatory activity.
- To investigate the specific compounds responsible for the herb's immune-enhancing properties.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity using human neutrophil cells.
- Assays included phagocytic function studies, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), nitric oxide (NO), and chemiluminescence assays.
- Compounds were isolated using chromatographic techniques and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS).
Main Results:
- Ethyl acetate, water fractions, and hot water extract demonstrated significant immunomodulatory activity.
- Seven compounds were isolated: N-formylannonain (1), 11-hydroxymustakone (2), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (3), cordifolioside A (4), magnoflorine (5), tinocordiside (6), and syringin (7).
- Compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 significantly enhanced phagocytic activity and increased nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species generation.
Conclusions:
- Seven immunomodulatory compounds from different chemical classes were successfully isolated and characterized.
- The findings suggest that the immunomodulatory effects of Tinospora cordifolia may result from the synergistic action of these isolated compounds.
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