Effect of Enhydra fluctuans Lour. Leaf Extract on Phagocytosis by Human Neutrophils

Objective: To study the effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Enhydra fluctuans on neutrophil phagocytic function. Methods: The different concentrations of (25,50,100μg/ml) of extract of leaves of Enhydra fluctuans was subjected to study its effect on different in-vitro methods of phagocytosis such as neutrophil locomotion, chemotaxis, immunostimulant activity of phagocytosis of killed Candida albicans and qualitative Nitro Blue Tetrazolium test using human neutrophils. Result: This preliminary study revealed that Enhydra fluctuans extract has stimulated chemotactic, phagocytic and intracellular killing potency of human neutrophils at the different concentration. Conclusion: From the results obtained it can be observed that the aqueous extract of Enhydra fluctuans leaves stimulates cell-mediated immune system by increasing neutrophil function phagocytic activity.