Evaluation of Immunostimulant Activity of the Root and Leaf of Polyscias Balfouriana Marginata

Abstract

plant is known as Scutellarium or Dinner Plate Aralia or Balfour Polyscias. It belongs to the family Araliaceae. The plant is rich in triterpenoid saponins. In the present work the immunostimulant activity was performed on the leaf and root of the plant. The plant parts were extracted with n-butanol to obtain the saponin fraction; hence it was designated as NBS. The carbon clearance test and the milk induced leukocytosis were determined. Since the family and chemical constituents were similar to Panax ginseng, the root powder of it was used as the standard. It was found that the root extract of Polyscias balfouriana showed better carbon clearance and milk induced leukocytosis activity than the leaf extract on comparison with the standard ginseng which gave the highest positive response.