Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of Ipomoea carnea on peritoneal cells of rats

In the present study, animals of the experimental groups were treated with an aqueous fraction (AF) of Ipomoea carnea diluted in drinking water in order to obtain daily doses of 3 g dry leaves/kg/body weight (6w) and 15 g/kg/bw for 14 and 21 days, or by gavage 15 g/kg/bw administered for 14 days, respectively. Peritoneal macrophages were collected and submitted to the spreading, phagocytosis, and hydrogen peroxide release tests. AF administration in drinking water for 14 and 21 days promoted increased macrophage phagocytosis activity and hydrogen peroxide release. However, the administration of 15 g/kg/bw of AF by gavage for 14 days resulted in no alteration in macrophage activity. These results suggest that low dosages of Ipomoea cornea induced enhanced phagocytosis activity and hydrogen peroxide production by macrophages. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.