IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF ANTHOCYANINS FRACTION OF CANNA INDICA

Mallikarjun Bere*, Srikanth Lingala, Chandramouli Golla and Naveen Chandra Kotagiri

ABSTRACT

Herbal drugs play an important role in curing diseases throughout the history of mankind. The study of medicinal plants has attracted many researchers, owing to the useful applications of plants for the treatment of various diseases in humans and animals. Anthocyanins are involved in a wide range of biological activities that may affect positively the health. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the Immunomodulatory activity of anthocyanins from Canna indica flowers. Canna indica flowers were collected in Toopranpet village of Nalgonda district. Methanolic extraction method was used for extracting anthocyanins from plant materials. From the investigation as the extract gave positive results, it was confirmed that Canna indica flower extracts (CIFE) consists of anthocyanins. Acute toxicity study was carried out in male Swiss albino mice. CIFE are considered to be safe up to the dose levels of 1000 mg/kg (b.w). The results of the present study suggest that CIFE (500 mg/kg p.o) increases the cellular and humoral immunity as indicated by an increase in clearance of carbon from blood stream in carbon clearance test.

Keywords: Canna indica, Anthocyanins, Immunomodulatory activity and Herbal drugs.