IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND IN VIVO IMMUNOMODULATORY STUDY OF LEMON PEEL EXTRACT (STORG-FA) AND ITS BIOAVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT

Background: Natural bioactive compounds of plant origin have attracted comprehensive attention due to their multiple biological effects, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. However, scientific underpinnings of these health benefits are inadequate. Objective: Present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the bioavailability, antioxidant, and Immunomodulatory activity of the herbal formulation Lemon Peel extract (Storg-FA), which contains Lemon Peel extract standardized for 5% Folic Acid, along with co-nutrients including various water-soluble natural folates. Methods: The invitro antioxidant activity of Storg-FA was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay whereas cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed rat model was established to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of Storg-FA in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Haemagglutination test was used to assess their effects on humoral response. After 14 and 21st days of drug administration, the extent of protection against immunosuppression caused by Cyclophosphamide was assessed by estimating hematological parameters. The invivo bioavailability study of Storg FA was conducted using LC-MS/MS analysis. Results: Storg-FA showed pronounced invitro antioxidant activity against DPPH radical. IC₅₀ of Storg FA was found to be 109.35µg/ml, as compared to BHT used as a standard (IC₅₀ of 60.52µg/mL). Storg-FA stimulated the humoral immune response. Increased haemagglutination inhibition was observed with Storg FA in both low and high dose. It was identified that these herbal formulations significantly improved the haematogram parameters. Conclusion: The results suggest that Storg-FA can be considered as promising antioxidant and immunomodulatory agents.