The immunomodulatory activity of an Indian Ayurvedic medicinal prepara
tion, Ashwagandna ( Withania somnifera (L. Dunal)) was studied in mice
with myelosuppression induced by one or more of the following three c
ompounds: cyclophosphamide, azathioprin, or prednisolone. The assessme
nt of immunomodulatory activity was carried out by hematological and s
erological tests. A significant modulation of immune reactivity was ob
served in all the three animal models used. Ashwagandha prevented myel
osuppression in mice treated with all three immunosuppressive drugs te
sted. A significant increase in hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.01), r
ed blood cell count (P < 0.01), white blood cell count (P < 0.05), pla
telet count (P < 0.01), and body weight (P < 0.05) was observed in Ash
wagandha-treated mice as compared with untreated (control) mice. We al
so report an immunostimulatory activity: treatment with Ashwagandha wa
s accompanied by significant increases in hemolytic antibody responses
towards human erythrocytes.