Effect of a herbal protein, CI-1, isolated from Cajanus indicus on immune response of control and stressed mice

The effect of a herbal protein, CI-1, purified from the leaves of Cajanus indicus was evaluated as a probable immunomodulator on immune response in control and stressed mice. In mice, sensitized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), CI-1 enhanced IgG level by 28% over control (P < 0.05). Primary and secondary antibody response to SRBC and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were significantly increased in CI-1 treated group. Furthermore CI-1 facilitated the delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response to SRBC in sensitized mice and also enhanced leucocyte and macrophage migration inhibition response in immunized mice. A fewer mice displayed symptoms of anaphylactic shock after CI-1 administration at a dose of 6.0 mg/kg body wt. in BSA sensitized mice. The immediate effect of CI-1 on anaphylactic shock was not seen when 150 mu g of CI-1 was injected in combination with BSA in the shocking injection. These results suggest that CI-1 influences both humoral and cell-mediated immune response. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.