The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(3):165-169 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14306

Research Article

Assessment of immunomodulatory properties of Acacia catechu leaf extract employing chicken lymphocyte culture system

Anupsingh Vijaysingh Thakur¹ , Sonu Ambwani¹ , Tanuj Kumar Ambwani² , Sudhir Kumar²

Anupsingh Vijaysingh Thakur,Sonu Ambwani,Tanuj Kumar Ambwani,Sudhir Kumar

1. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar- 263145, Uttarakhand, India
2. Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145, Uttarakhand, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 23rd May, 2025 / Accepted: 24th July, 2025 / Published : 31st July, 2025

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants have long been integral to traditional healthcare systems, offering a rich source of bioactive compounds beneficial for both human and animal health. Their accessibility, low toxicity, and therapeutic potential make them valuable alternatives or complements to modern pharmaceuticals. Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. (Senegalia catechu) (family: Fabaceae), a widely used plant in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine, has garnered attention for its diverse pharmacological properties. Various parts of the plant particularly the bark, heartwood, and leaves are traditionally employed for treating ailments such as diarrhea, cough, skin diseases, and inflammation.  Recent studies have highlighted the immunomodulatory potential of Acacia catechu. Objective: The fifty percent hydromethanolic leaf extract of Acacia catechu (ACLE) was prepared and evaluated for its in vitro immunomodulatory potential using animal cell-culture model of avian lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: In this study, lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy chickens using density gradient centrifugation. The isolated cells were cultured and treated with varying concentrations of ACLE under standard in vitro conditions. Mitogens such as Concanavalin A (ConA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to stimulate T and B cell proliferation, respectively. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the MTT assay. Results: MTT assay revealed a dose-dependent enhancement of lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of the extract. Considering the outcome of MTT assay, 0.3 mg/mL dose was chosen as the maximum non-cytotoxic dose (MNCD) for further immunological evaluations, as it maintained cell viability without inducing cytotoxic effects. Lymphocytes proliferation assay (LPA) demonstrated the immunomodulating potential under mitogenic stimulation. Conclusion: In vitro experiments using chicken lymphocytes have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory activity. These findings underscore the potential of Acacia catechu as a natural immunomodulator in poultry health management, contributing to improved disease resistance and reduced reliance on synthetic antibiotics. Further exploration and validation of such traditional botanicals may support the development of sustainable and effective herbal therapeutics for both veterinary and human applications.