Immunomodulatory Activity Evaluation of Polysaccharides from Maerua Subcordata (Gilg) Dewolf Tuber

Abstract

A robust, well-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health. The rising prevalence of infectious diseases and immune-related disorders underscores the urgent need for effective therapeutic solutions. Plant derived immunomodulators offer promi sing alternatives, enhancing immune responses with less toxicity and fewer side effects as compared to synthetic drugs. This study investigated the chemical characterization and immu nomodulatory activity evaluation of polysaccharides extracted from the tuber of Maerua subcordata. Polysaccharides were extracted from the tuber of M. subcordata using hot water extraction, followed by the addition of ethanol and centrifugation. Carbon clearance and humoral antibody titer (HAT) tests were used to evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory activity of both the crude drug and the polysaccharide fraction. The crude drug and the polysaccharide fraction were tested at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in Swiss Albino mice. The chemical nature of the polysaccharide fraction was characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UVVis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The polysaccharide fraction at 400 mg/kg bw has the maximum effect (P<0.05) on the carbon clearance rate. It increased the elimination of carbon particles by 0.1272±0.03763. The crude drug and the polysaccharide fraction increased the level of HAT against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) in comparison to the vehicle control group. Particularly, the polysaccharide fract ion at 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) increases the level of mean secondary HAT (160.00 ±32.00) against SRBC, which is slightly greater than levamisole-treated groups. The FTIR analysis of polysaccharides shows the existence of various functional groups, such as alkenes, alkanes, alcohol, ether, carboxylic acid, amine, and carbonyl groups in the polysaccharide fraction. The crude drug mainly, the polysaccharide fractions exhibited promising immunostimulant activity by enhancing carbon clearance rate and humoral antibody titer tests.