Immunomodulatory effects of NIM-76, a volatile fraction from Neem oil.

Abstract

The immunomodulatory properties of NIM-76 have been described in this paper. Pre-treatment of rats with a single i.p. injection of NIM-76 resulted in an increase in polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes with a concomitant decrease in lymphocyte counts. The immunomodulatory activity of NIM-76 was found to be concentration-dependent. At 120 mg/kg body weight, there was an enhanced macrophage activity and lymphocyte proliferation response, while the humoral component of immunity was unaffected. At higher concentrations of NIM-76 (300 mg/kg body weight), there was a stimulation of mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, while macrophage activity remained unaffected. However, a fall in primary and secondary antibody titres was observed. The study indicates that NIM-76 acts through cell-mediated mechanisms by activating macrophages and lymphocytes.

• Authors: M SaiRam, S K Sharma, G Ilavazhagan, D Kumar, W Selvamurthy
• Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology (J Ethnopharmacol) Vol. 55 Issue 2 Pg. 133-9 (Jan 1997) ISSN: 0378-8741 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 9032626 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• DK 1
• Glycerides
• Oils, Volatile
• Plant Oils
• Terpenes
• neem oil

Topics

• Adjuvants, Immunologic (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Animals
• Antibody Formation (drug effects, immunology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Erythrocytes (cytology, drug effects)
• Glycerides (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Injections, Intraperitoneal
• Lymphocyte Activation (drug effects)
• Lymphocyte Count (drug effects)
• Macrophage Activation (drug effects)
• Male
• Neutrophils (cytology, drug effects)
• Oils, Volatile (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Phagocytosis (drug effects)
• Plant Oils (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Sheep
• Terpenes (administration & dosage, pharmacology)