<em>In vitro</em> immunomodulatory potential of macromolecular components derived from the aqueous extract of <em>ajowan</em> [<em>Trachyspermum ammi</em> (L.) Sprague]

Abstract

506-513Ajowan [Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague] has proven medicinal and nutritive properties. The role of ajowan within the intricate network of interaction of cells of the immune system has also been quite studied. In this present study, the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharide/polysaccharide-protein complexes (PPCs) have been assessed.Ajowan aqueous extract was precipitated with ethanol followed by dialysis. The resultant dialyzed solution was subjected to DEAE-Cellulose column chromatography by stepwise elution with sodium chloride (0-0.5M); 0.4 M NaCl eluate showed effective mitogenic activity towards splenocytes and hence named as, ajowan immunomodulatory component (ImC). This component of interest comprised of acidic polysaccharides, glycoproteins and associated bound phenolics. ImC induced proliferation of murine splenocytes effectively at the concentration of 1 &mu;g mL&minus;1 (p &lt; 0.005). Pronase treated ImC (Imc-Pt) failed to elicit mitogenic effect towards splenocytes; however, it could activate peritoneal exudate cells for synthesis of nitric oxide and phagocytosis at the minimum concentration of 10 ng mL&minus;1 (p &lt; 0.005). From the above results it can be concluded that both protein and polysaccharide constituents of ImC have independent roles in its immunomodulation property, i.e., protein on B-lymphocyte proliferation and carbohydrates on macrophage activation