Abstract

Khamira Marwarid khas (KMK) is a compound herbo-mineral preparation consisting of pearl extract and 7 plant extracts, widely prescribed by Unani physicians for various ailments related with immune suppression. Though it is a known Unani formulation, no attempts have been made to validate its mechanism of action. In this regard, we attempted to elucidate its role in modulation of the immune response. KMK was administered to mice orally at a dose level of 2 g/kg body weight for 15 days, following which hematology and immune function including the lymphoid organ weight and cellularity of lymphoid organs were analyzed. Humoral and cell mediated immune responses were evaluated by assessing the IgG levels and titres, IgG subtypes, comparative levels of IgG and IgE, delayed type of hypersensitivity, lymphocyte proliferation using ³H-thymidine incorporation assay and cytokine analysis. Innate immune responses were analyzed using production of nitrogen oxide (NO) by macrophages and phagocytosis. KMK treated mice showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the cellularity of the bone marrow. Ovalbumin-specific serum IgG level (p<0.05) and levels of IgG2a and IgG2b increased significantly. KMK enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) lymphocyte proliferation and delayed type of hypersensitivity response. An upregulation in the production of Th-1 cytokine (IFN-γ) by concavalin A (Con A) stimulated splenocytes was observed while the level of inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β were non-significantly increased. Oral administration of KMK by itself did not induce the production of NO by macrophages and suppressed the production of NO in response to LPS.  Increased phagocytic rate and phagocytic index was observed. Taken together, the results suggest the immunostimulatory effect of KMK through a mechanism, leading to a Th1 dominant immune state.

Key words: Immunopotentiation, herbal prescription, Khamira Marwarid Khas (KMK).