Immunomodulatory effect of the saponins of Momordica Cymbalaria

Abstract

Momordica cymbalaria is a plant species that is almost ubiquitously found in different parts of the natives of tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia and Australia. Various preparations of it have been advocated in folk medicine as an abortifacient and for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present study investigates the Immunomodulatory potential of Methanolic extract of steroidal saponins of Momordica cymbalaria. An attempt has been made to assess the Immunomodulatory activity of purified saponin mixture (PSM) Methanolic extract of steroidal saponins of Momordica cymbalaria orally at dose of 25mg/kg was used as standard drug. The effect of steroidal saponin of Momordica cymbalaria on the immune system of rats and mice was evaluated by using different experimental models such as carbon clearance test, cyclophosphamides induced neutropenia, neutrophil adhesion test, effect of steroidal saponin of Momordica cymbalaria on serum immunoglobulins, mice lethality test, indirect haemagglutination test, hypersensitivity reaction, haemagglutination reaction and delayed hypersensitivity reaction test. Steroidal saponins of Momordica cymbalaria increased level of serum immunoglobulins. Hence it was concluded that saponins of Momordica cymbalaria increases both humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity. Steroidal saponins of Momordica cymbalaria increased both humoral immunity and cell mediated immunity.