Immunomodulatory activity of Punica granatum in rabbits--a preliminary study

J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Nov;78(1):85-7. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00287-2.

Abstract

Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) fruit rind powder (PGFRP) at the dose of 100 mg/kg orally as aqueous suspension was found to stimulate the cell-mediated and humoral components of the immune system in rabbits. PGFRP elicited an increase in antibody titer to typhoid-H antigen. It also enhanced the inhibition of leucocyte migration in Leucocyte Migration Inhibition test and induration of skin in delayed hypersensitivity test with Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) confirming its stimulatory effect on cell-mediated immune response.

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / drug effects
  • Cell Migration Inhibition
  • Fruit / chemistry
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry*
  • Powders
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Plant Extracts
  • Powders