Fucoidan, Afa, Haberlea Rhodopensis, Propolis Induced Changes in Imuniglobulins Levels in Rats

Immunoglobulins are part of the humoral immunity response against foreign antigens. Their blood levels could be influenced by different agents, including food supplements as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), Propolis, substances as Fucoidan and herbal extracts. Purpose. To evaluate whether Fucoidan, AFA, a total leaf extract of Haberlea rhodopensis and Propolis augment the IgG and IgM levels into the blood stream of rats. Methods. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=10) and treated as follows:1 -st group – Aqua destillata p.o.; 2 -nd group – 0.9% NaCl i.p.; 3 -rd group – AFA in a dose 500 mg/kg bw p.o.; 4 -th group – Fucoidan in a dose 100 mg/kg bw i.p.; 5 -th group – Haberlea rhodopensis in a dose 50 mg/kg bw i.p. and 6 -th group – Propolis in a dose 100 mg/kg bw i.p. Two hours after single administration of the substances blood samples were collected and analyzed. Results. AFA increased IgG level in peripheral blood of rats in comparison to controls. Fucoidan, H. rhodopensis and Propolis induced nonsignificant decrease in serum IgG level. We registered a slight increase in serum IgM level after treatment with Fucoidan, AFA and Propolis. H. rhodopensis has no influence on this type immunoglobulins in serum. Conclusion. Fucoidan, AFA and Propolis may be used as possible immunomodulators and immuno-enhancers based on the registered elevated serum levels of immunoglobulins in rats. A single dose of H. rhodopensis leaf extract has negative to no effect on the immune response.