Immunomodulatory activity of curcumin

Curcumin, an active ingredient present in Curcuma longa, was analysed for t he immunomodulatory activity in Balb/c mice. Curcumin administration was fo und to increase the total WBC count (15, 290) significantly on the 12th day Group of animals treated with vehicle alone showed results similar to that of normal animal (10,130 on 12th day). Curcumin increased the circulating antibody titre (512) against SRRC. Curcumin administration increased the pl aque forming cells (PFC) in the spleen and the maximum number of PFC was ob served on the 6th day (1,130 PFC/10(6) spleen cells) after immunization wit h SRRC. Bone marrow cellularity (16.9x10(6) cells/femur) and alpha -esteras e positive cells (1,622/4000 cells) were also enhanced by Curcumin administ ration. A significant increase in macrophage phagocytic activity was also o bserved in Curcumin treated animals (P<0.001). These results indicate the i mmunostimulatory activity of Curcumin.