ABSTRACT
Background: Theimmune system is intrinsic to health. Modulation of the immune responses to alleviate the diseases by using herbal plants has been of interest for many years. Diosgenin, a naturally occurring steroid saponin mainly present in the seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)and in the root tubers of wild yams (Dioscorea vil-losa). Activation of specific and nonspecific immunity results in stimulation of immune response. Diosgenin has the positive effects on both specific and nonspecific immunity.Aim: To study the immunomodulatory activity of Diosgen-in in rats. Method: The suspension of Diosgenin wasgiven orally at the dosage level of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg for 21 days in a rat. The immunomodulatory activity on specific and non-specific immunity was studied by haemagglutina-tion antibody (HA) titer, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and carbon clearance test. Immunosuppres-sion in a rat was induced by using Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, p.o.). Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were used as antigen (0.1ml 20% SRBCs) in haemagglutinating antibody titer and delayed type hypersensitivity response methods. Result: Diosgenin exhibited significant increase in the production of antibody titer in response to SRBC antigen. A significant increase in both primary and secondary HA titer was observed in immunosuppressed group treated with Diosgenin when compared with negative control. A significant increase in the DTH response was observed in immu-nosuppressed animals treated with Diosgenin, pre-sensitized with SRBCs antigen. Diosgenin exhibited significant in-crease in phagocytic index against control group, indicating the stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system. Con-clusion: The study indicates that Diosgenin triggers stimulatory effect on specific and nonspecific immune response. The immunostimulant effect of Diosgenin could be attributed due to its saponin glycoside.
ABSTRACT
Background: Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays central role in the development of liver fibrosis. In HSC activation, the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is considered to be the main stimuli factor. Diosgenin are the steroidal saponin and found in Trigonella foenum graecum Linn (Fenugreek) and some other species of Dioscorea. Diosgenin attenuates HSC activation by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β. Aim: In present study an attempt was made to explore the effect of diosgenin on liver fibrosis. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 1 ml/kg intraperitoneally twice a week for 28 days and cisplatin 3mg/kg intraperitoneally at 0, 1, 3 week for 4 weeks. The extent of liver fibrosis was assessed by measuring the weight of liver and levels of total bili-rubin (TBL), hydroxyproline (HP) and serum enzymes due to deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Results: The administration of diosgenin reduced the liver weight of CCl4 and cisplatin treated animals and reduced the TBL, HP level and serum enzymes significantly and inhibited liver fibrosis induced by CCl4and cisplatin. Conclusion: The result obtained in the present investigation, Diosgenin treatment exerted significant hepatoprotective effect in animals by inhibiting ECM deposition and HSCs activation.
ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It is a chronic progressive disease resulting in inflammation of joints and painful deformity and immobility of various joints. Being an autoimmune disease, there’s lacuna in proper management of the disease. Current options like steroids and DMARD’S (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are the cornerstone in therapy of the disease, but have their own limitation. New drugs and better methods for management of rheumatoid arthritis are still evolving. The present review highlights the possible involvement of Montelukast, an antagonist of leukotriene receptors and Cetrizine, an antihistaminic drug in amelioration of the progression of the disease.