Purpose: To evaluate the immune-modulatory activities of various plant parts
Adansonia digitata
L.
using delayed-type hypersensitivity rat model.
Methods: Defatted leaf, root bark and fruit pulp of
A. digitata were extracted with methanol.
Immunomodulatory activity of the methanol extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg) were evaluated in sheep RBC
(SRBC)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity model, cell mediated immune re-sponse and phagocytic
activity using carbon clearance test.
Results: The extracts exhibited significant increase in delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, indicating
the ability of the extracts to stimulate T-cells. It also increased SRBC induced anti-body titer in immunesuppressed
rats, and produced significant increase in phagocytic index by rapid removal of carbon
particles from the blood stream.
Conclusion: These results indicate that methanol extracts of the leaf, root bark and fruit pulp of
A.
digitata hold promise as immunemodulatory agents.
