Immunomodulatory Activity of Shilajatu (Asphaltum punjabinum) Processed in Different Media

An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Immunomodulators modify the immune response of the body to a threat by potentiating it, but conventional
immunomodulatory drugs are associated with higher costs and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, the exploration of herbal immunomodulators is a need of time. Shilajatu is a compound of therapeutic importance that is described in Ayurveda as Rasayana (Immunomodulator). The current study has been planned to assess the Rasayana property (Immunomodulatory activity) of Shilajatu (Asphaltum punjabinum) collected from two market sources i.e. Amritsar and Nepal, processed in Water and Triphala Kwatha (decoction prepared from fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki), Terminalia bellirica Gaertn. Roxb. (Vibhitaki) & Phyllanthus emblica L.(Amalaki) on cell-mediated immunity. It involved Wistar strain albino rats, weighing 180 ± 20 g of either sex, which were divided into five groups. Test animals were subcutaneously sensitized (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) with triple antigen solution on day 1 and the test drug was administered orally at the dose level of 100 mg per kg in four groups and one group was served as negative control. On the seventh day, again 0.1 ml was injected into the plantar aponeurosis, and hind paw edema was assessed at 24 and 48 hrs for cell-mediated immunity. Groups with drug intervention have shown more edema inhibitory percentage than the water control group at all intervals. Besides, Shilajatu samples processed in Triphala Kwatha have shown a better immunity-enhancing profile than water-processed samples at both the time intervals i.e., 24 and 48 hrs. Therefore, Shuddha Shilajatu can be used as a potent immunomodulator in the management of various diseases as well as enhancing the immunity of a healthy person. Moreover, processing media and supply sources of drugs should be considered for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes.