Septilin, A Polyherbal Formulation Against the Immunosuppression Induced by Cyclophosphamide and Cisplatin in Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Septilin (Spt) is an ayurvedic drug formulation from Himalaya Drug Company and is well-known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Interest in the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicine as immunomodulators has currently been the subject of scientific investigation worldwide. Cyclophosphamide (CP) and Cisplatin (Csp) are widely used chemotherapeutic drugs and are known for their immunosuppressive effects. Methods: The present study evaluated the immune-stimulating activity of Spt (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg; PO/7 days) against CP (50 mg/kg) and Csp (10 mg/kg) induced immunosuppression in mice sensitized with sheep Red Blood Cells (RBC) by measuring Hemagglutination Antibody (HA) titre values and by determining the haematological parameters, such as Haemoglobin (Hb) content, White Blood Cells (WBC), RBC and platelet counts. Thymus index and differential counts of leukocytes were also determined. Results: Upon HA assay, the titre was significantly decreased in CP (59.40%) and Csp (62.16%) in the treatment groups (P<0.001). An increase in the HA titre value in Spt-treated mice showed the stimulation of humoral immune response (P<0.001). The results of haematological study in Spt-treated mice indicated stimulation of total leukocytes, RBC and platelet counts. Moreover, Spt treatment prior to the administration of CP and Csp prevented the loss of body weight and minimized their adverse effect on the mice thymus. Conclusion: Our experimental evidence suggests the immunostimulatory potency of Spt against the immunosuppression induced by chemotherapeutic drugs in mice. The study results are comparable with the immune-potentiating effects of standard immunomodulatory drug Levamisole (Lev). Hence, Spt may be used as an adjuvant to obviate the immune suppression induced by chemotherapeutic medications.