Immunosuppressive activity of Achillea talagonica on humoral immune responses in experimental animals.

In this study the aqueous extract of Achillea talagonica consisting of a mixture of alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids was used. This genus has long been used in Iran for treatment of fever, skin inflammation, asthma and liver ailments. Effects of this plant were studied on humoral antibody responses in BALB/c mice and albino rabbits. Intraperitoneal administration of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg x 7 days in mice prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells, resulted in a significant dose dependent decrease in haemagglutinating antibody (HA) titre. By decreasing the dosage, a significant decrease in HA titre was also observed. In rabbits after intrascapular injection of 0.5 g/kg, in primary response, a significant decrease in anti-HD titre was found, but no change observed in secondary response.