Selective Th2 Upregulation by Crocus sativus: A Neutraceutical Spice

The immunomodulatory activity of an Indian neutraceutical spice, saffron (Crocus sativus) was studied on Th-1 and Th-2 limbs of the immune system. Oral administration of alcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (ACS) at graded dose levels from 1.56-50 mg/kg p.o. potentiated the Th-2 response of humoral immunity causing the significant increases in agglutinating antibody titre in mice at a dose of 6.25 mg/kg and an elevation of CD19(+) B cells and IL-4 cytokine, a signature cytokine of Th-2 pathway. Appreciable elevation in levels of IgG-1 and IgM antibodies of the primary and secondary immune response was observed. However, ACS showed no appreciable expression of the Th-1 cytokines IL-2 (growth factor for CD4(+) T cells) and IFN-gamma (signature cytokine of Th-1 response). A significant modulation of immune reactivity was observed in all the animal models used. This paper represents the selective upregulation of the Th-2 response of the test material and suggests its use for subsequent selective Th-2 immunomodulation.