Immunological exploration based studies on Strychnos nux-vomica regarding antigen specific immune response

In an effort to determine its cytotoxicity as well as antigen specific immune activity of aqueous leaves extract of Strychnos nux-vomica using hepatitis B vaccine containing surface antigen (HBsAg; 20 µg/ml) pertaining to antibody production and scrutinize its proliferative response along with cytokines in lysed human whole blood. For these studies, phytochemical (qualitative) analysis was determined and evaluates the presence of secondary metabolites through high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and bio-inorganic fingerprinting. In addition, indirect Elisa was performed using HBsAg as coating antigen using variable doses (1-30 mg/ml) of Strychnos nux-vomica. In continuation of these immunological studies, antigen specific immune response along with cytotoxicity was determined through MTT assay in infected human whole blood using HBsAg (20 µg/ml, 50 µl). The results showed that Strychnos nux-vomica showed qualitatively as well as quantitatively determined the presence of secondary metabolites along with bio-inorganic compounds. In addition, Strychnos nux-vomica showed enhancement in anti-HBsAg IgG titre as compared to standard and control but there is sudden decline in proliferation with HBsAg and also showed decline in cytokines (IL-2 and IL-12) level at higher doses as compared to control. Our data suggest that Strychnos nux-vomica may help to raise antibodies against HBsAg but sudden decline in HBsAg proliferative response along with cytokines (IL-2 and IL-12) in infected lysed human whole blood and also showed some cytotoxic effect at higher doses. In other words, Strychnos nux-vomica could be a potent immune enhancer of B cells and inhibitor of T cells against HBsAg.