Immunomodulatory effects of two sapogenins 1 and 2 isolated from Luffa cylindrica in Balb/C mice.

Two Triterpenoids (sapogenins 1 and 2) isolated from Luffa cylindrica were subjected to immunomodulatory activity in male Balb/c mice. Mice were treated with three doses of sapogenins 1 and 2 (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) and levamisole (2.5 mg/kg) used as a standard reference drug for 15 days. Immune responses to T-dependent antigen SRBCs were observed using parameters like HA, PFC, DTH, lymphocyte proliferation and phagocytosis. As regards these parameters, sapogenins 1 and 2 elicited a significant increase in the HA, PFC and DTH response at dose 10 mg/kg (P<0.01) and 100 mg/kg (P<0.001), respectively. Sapogenins 1 and 2 also showed significant dose-dependent decrease and increase in lymphocyte proliferation assay and phagocytic activity of macrophages. Overall, sapogenins 1 and 2 showed dose relative immunostimulatory effect on in vivo immune functions in mice.