IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF PERGULARIA DAEMIA IN OVALBUMIN-INDUCED ALLERGIC MICE MODEL

The plant Pergularia daemia has been traditionally used as anthelmintic, laxative, antipyretic expectorant and also used to treat infantile diarrhoea and malarial intermittent fevers. The present study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of the whole plant of Pergularia daemia (HEPD) in early allergic sensitized mice induced by ovalbumin. Phytochemical assay was used to recognize the main active constituents. Mice were immunized with subcutaneous injection of ovalbumin and aluminium hydroxide. Efficiency of sensitization was assessed by serum IgE levels and eosinophil count. After sensitization, two doses of extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) were injected through intraperitoneal route. On day 14, mice were challenged with intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin. IL-4 and IFN2 levels in broncho alveolar lavage fluid, which had been collected on day 15, were assessed by Enzyme-Linked Immuno sorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Our results indicated the presence of terpenoid, flavonoids, sterols and cardenolids. Intraperitoneal injection of the PD hydroalcoholic extract showed a decreased IL-4 and increased IFNγ levels. It seems that the HEPD has the potential to modulate the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in allergy.