IN VITRO EVALUATION FOR IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF ACORUS CALAMUS ON HUMAN NEUTROPHILS

Abstract

Acorus calamus belongs to family Acoraceae. It has been used medicinally for a wide variety of ailments, and its aroma makes calamus essential oil valued in the perfume industry. Petroleum ether, chloroform, benzene, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Acorus calamus leaves were tested for various phytoconstituents. The immunomodulatory activity was screened by in-vitro immunostimulant activity by phagocytic stimulation (slide method) and nitro-blue test. As per preliminary phytochemical investigation alcoholic extract showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and proteins. From phagositic stimulation test and nitro-blue tetrazolium test petroleum ether, alcoholic extract and volatile oil showed highly significant (p<0.001) at 5-15 mg /ml concentration. The results were comparable with control. The present study showed that Acorus calamus stimulate cell mediated immune system by modulating the neutrophil function.