Ayurveda is an ancient form of traditional medicine common throughout India and parts of Asia. Several plant species used in Ayurvedic medicine have stimulatory effects that can increase the proliferation and activities of white blood cells and invigorate the immune system. Consult with a physician before self-medicating with medicinal plants to treat any form of illness.
Salacia reticulara and oblonga
A study in the January 2011 issue of "Biofactors" investigated the effects of roots and bark from Salacia reticulara and Salacia oblonga on the expression of immune-related genes in the small intestines of rats. The researchers found that genes that code for white blood cells were upregulated, or increased, in the test animals. The authors concluded that Salacia root and bark extracts influence immune function by increasing the number and activities of white blood cells.
Anacyclus pyrethrum
Anacyclus pyrethrum, which is known as akarkara in Ayurvedic medicine, affects the regulation of the immune system, according to an article published in the September 2010 issue of "Pharmaceutical Biology." The researchers tested the effects of A. pytethrum on leukocyte counts, or white blood cells, hypersensitivity reactions and phagocytic activity, which is the ability of cells to engulf foreign particles. The study found a twofold increase in immune activity in rats with yeast infections. The authors concluded that A. pyrethrum effectively stimulates the immune system and is useful for improving deficiencies in immunity.
Woodforia fruticosa
Woodforia fruticosa is used in Ayurvedic medicine to combat parasitic worms, dysentery, leprosy and blood diseases, and to control menorrhagia, which is an abnormally heavy menstrual flow, according to a study in the September 2010 issue of "Pharmaceutical Biology." In this study, researchers evaluated the effects of W. fruticosa on the ability of cells to engulf foreign substances, a process known as phagocytosis, in mice. The study found that ingestion of W. fruticosa significantly increased the phagocytic abilities of specific white blood cells called macrophages and showed a 60 percent increase in the production of bone marrow cells, which is indicative of immune cell stimulation.
Leptadenia reticulate
Leptadenia reticulate, known as jivanti in Ayurvedic medicine, is used as an immunity booster and rejuvenator. An article in the September 2010 issue of the "Journal of Ethnoparmacology" investigated the effects of various forms of L. reticulate to enhance immune function. Lymphocytes, immune cells produced in the spleen, and bone marrow macrophages -- cells that engulf bacteria and viruses -- were cultured, treated with different extracts of L. reticulate and exposed to a substance to suppress the immune functions of the cells. Although all the extracts were effective in boosting the immune response, the study found that an aqueous extract of L. reticulate offered the best protection against the suppressive effects imposed on the immune system.
References
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Modulating Effect of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz) Wight & Arn Against Chromate (VI)-Induced Immunosuppression and Oxidative Stress on Mouse Splenic Lymphocytes and Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages; V. Girishkumar, et al.; September 2010
- "Pharmaceutical Biology"; In Vitro and In Vivo Immunostimulatory Activity of Woodforia fruticosa Flowers on non-Specific Immunity; s. Shah, et al.; September 2010
- "Pharmaceutical Biology"; Immunomodulatory Activity of Petroleum Ether Extract of Anacylus pyrethrum; V. Sharma, et al.; September 2010
- "Biofactors"; Biochemical Investigation and Gene Expression Analysis of the Immunostimulatory Functions of an Edible Salacia Extract in Rat Small Intestine; Y. Oda, et al.; January 2011
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