AN IMMUNOMODULATORY PROFILE OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF OXALIS CORNICULATA LINN IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS AND SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objective and Background: To study the immunological activity of aqueous extract of Oxalis corniculata in Albino wistar rats and Swiss Albino mice. The Oxalis corniculata is an edible and a medicinal plant which is important to the food industry and may also have a significant role to play in health care. Material and Methods: The aqueous extract of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata was adminstered orally at the dose of 200mg/kg/day and 400mg/kg/day body weight. The assessments of immunomodulatory activity were studied by haemagglutination antibody titre, delayed type hypersensitivity, cyclophosphoamide neutropenia and carbon clearance test. Cyclophosphamide and Levamisole used as immunostumulating agent. Observation, Finding and Conclusion: Oxalis corniculata is of considerable importance to the food industry and also possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological property of immunomodulation which are associated with its diverse chemical constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, terpenoids, sterols, proteins, Vitamins, and minerals. Discussion and Importance: Immuno-modulatiom is a process which can alter the immune system of an organism by interfering with its functions; if it results in an enhancement of immune system it is named as immunostimulative drug which primarily implies stimulation of specific and non-specific system i.e. granulocytes, macrophages, complement certain T- lymphocytes and different effecting substances. Hence, more mechanistic studies are required before Oxalis corniculata can be considered for further clinical use. Although bioactivities of extracts or compounds isolated from Oxalis corniculata are substantiated by using in vitro and in vivo studies including animal models and cell culture studies. The finding authenticates its use in drug production and other therapies, and to enhance further its usage and research- study.