Immunomodulatory effects of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) on macrophage activation

Macrophages are the first line of defense and constitute important participants in the bi-directional interaction between innate and specific immunity. Macrophages are in a quiescent form and are activated when given a stimulus. In the present study, we have used Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi, to see its effect on macrophage activation. The direct drug treatment to J774A cells showed activation as assessed by biochemical assays. Enhanced secretion of lysozyme by macrophage cell line J774A on treatment with Tinospora cordifolia and lipopolysacharide was observed, suggesting activated state of macrophages. Enhanced lysozyme production was reported at different time intervals (24 hrs and 48 hrs). This led us to check the effect of the drug on the functional activity of macrophage with respect to microbicidal properties by disk diffusion antibiotic sensitivity test. The enhanced inhibitory effects of T. cordifolia (direct effect) and T. cordifolia treated cell supernatant (indirect effect) on the bacteria (E. coli) indicates the susceptibility of bacteria. This study is an attempt to check the potential significance of the T. cordifolia to be used as immunomodulator for activation of macrophages.