Effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn. on humoral immune responses
Mediratta, P.K.; Dewan, V.; Bhattacharya, S.K.; Gupta, V.S.; Maiti, P.C.; Sen, P.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 87: 384-386
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 3169894 Document Number: 311231
The effect of O. sanctum (Tulasi) on the hormonal immune responses in experimental animals was studied. O. sanctum enhanced anti-SRBC haemagglutination titre and IgE antibody titre, as measured by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in rats. Antigen-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells of sensitized rats in vitro was significantly inhibited by O. sanctum, which also antagonised responses to various spasmogens on isolated guinea pig ileum. Thus, it appears that O. sanctum modulates the humoral immune responses by acting at various levels in the immune mechanisms such as antibody production, release of mediators of hypersensitivity reactions and tissue responses to these mediators in the target organs.