In-Vitro Evaluation Of A Herbomineral Capsule Formulation For Its Immunomodulatory Activity Using Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Herbomineral formulations, combining medicinal herbs and minerals, have long been used in traditional systems like Ayurveda for immune enhancement and overall health. These formulations are believed to exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects through synergistic interactions of bioactive components. With growing interest in natural Immunotherapeutics, scientific validation of such formulations is essential. In vitro cell line models provide a reliable platform for evaluating immunomodulatory activity by assessing parameters like immune cell viability, immune cell activation, and other relevant biomarkers

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of a standardized herbomineral capsule formulation in vitro using human PBMCs by assessing cell viability, ADA activity, IgG production, and related biomarkers.

Material and methods:Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the herbomineral formulation (Herboxid). Cell viability was assessed using the XTT assay, while ADA activity and IgG levels were used to evaluate immunomodulatory effects. LPS and PHA were used to stimulate an inflammatory response, and synergistic effects were analysed

Results:The Herboxid herbomineral capsule demonstrated no cytotoxicity across tested concentrations (12.5–100 µg/mL), with PBMC viability exceeding control levels (highest at 50 µg/mL: 126.59%). ADA activity increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, peaking at ~10–11 U/L/min at 100 µg/mL (P < 0.05), compared to ~2 U/L/min in controls. IgG levels also rose progressively with concentration, with the highest activity at 100 µg/mL. Morphological changes in PBMCs suggested immune cell activation. Co-treatment with LPS and PHA further amplified ADA activity and viability, showing a synergistic immune response, particularly at higher doses (LPS 31 µg/µL + PHA 2 µg/µL), confirming the immunostimulatory potential of the formulation.

Conclusion:This study demonstrates that the Herboxid capsule is non-toxic to PBMCs and enhances immune responses by increasing ADA activity, a key marker of T-cell function. These findings suggest Herboxid’s potential as an effective immunomodulatory agent for therapeutic use.