ANTI VENOM AND IMMUNOMODULATORY FUNCTIONS OF CORALLOCARPUS EPIGAEUS L.

Abstract

Venom neutralizing activity of crude root extract of Corallocarpus epigaeus was determined by in vivo procedure recommended by WHO.   Neutralization assays for antivenom is necessary to replace the in vitro neutralization assay.  Albino mice were used to estimate venom neutralizing activity of tuber extract. Corallocarpus epigaues tuber extract preparations exhibit immunomodulatory properties.  This extract strongly induces the proliferation of PBMC.  The stimulatory potency of tuber extract for PBMC, from two different groups was examined.  The present findings indicate that a mitogen associated antigen from C. epigaues tuber extract is able to activate PBMC from healthy and allergic individuals, thereby demonstrating sensitization to probably highly conserved plant antigens.