Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of Ipomoea carnea on peritoneal cells of rats.

In the present study, animals of the experimental groups were treated with an aqueous fraction (AF) of Ipomoea carnea diluted in drinking water in order to obtain daily doses of 3gdryleaves/kg/body weight (bw) and 15g/kg/bw for 14 and 21 days, or by gavage 15g/kg/bw administered for 14 days, respectively. Peritoneal macrophages were collected and submitted to the spreading, phagocytosis, and hydrogen peroxide release tests. AF administration in drinking water for 14 and 21 days promoted increased macrophage phagocytosis activity and hydrogen peroxide release. However, the administration of 15g/kg/bw of AF by gavage for 14 days resulted in no alteration in macrophage activity. These results suggest that low dosages of Ipomoea carnea induced enhanced phagocytosis activity and hydrogen peroxide production by macrophages.