ARISTOLOCHIA BRACTEOLATE: POTENT ENHANCER OF B CELLS AND INHIBITS T CELL POPULATION AGAINST SPECIFIC PROTEIN ANTIGEN

Amit Gupta*, Jayaprakash and Bharat Shinde

ABSTRACT

Objective- To investigate its immunopharmacological activity of aqueous leaves extract of Aristolochia bracteolate using phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) against hepatitis B vaccine containing surface antigen (HBsAg; 20 μg/ml) and weak antigen i.e. ovalbumin (OVA) pertaining to antibody production determined through Elisa and scrutinize its proliferative response in infected lysed human whole blood with respect to HBsAg and OVA. Methods- For these studies, phytochemical (qualitative) analysis were determined and evaluate the presence of primary (protein) and secondary metabolites in aqueous leaves extract. In addition, indirect Elisa was performed using HBsAg and OVA as coating antigen using variable doses (0.156 – 5 mg) of aqueous leaves extract of Aristolochia bracteolate. In continuation of these immunological studies, antigen specific immune response were determined in infected human whole blood using HBsAg (20 μg/ml, 50 μl) and OVA (1 mg/ml; 50 μl) using MTT assay. Results- The results showed that aqueous extract showed qualitatively the presence of secondary metabolites including protein (40 KDa and 100 KDa) content which is determined through SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). In addition, this aqueous leaves extract showed enhancement in anti-HBsAg and anti-OVA IgG titre as compared to standard and control but there is sudden decline in proliferation containing HBsAg and OVA at higher doses. Conclusion- Our data suggest that aqueous leaves extract of this medicinal plant may help to raise antibodies against HBsAg and OVA but sudden decline in HBsAg and OVA proliferative response in infected lysed human whole blood. In other words, Aristolochia bracteolate could be a potent immune enhancer of B cells and inhibitor of T cells.

Keywords: Aristolochia bracteolate; hepatitis B vaccine; ovalbumin; splenocyte; Elisa.