The potency of Crocus sativus (Saffron) and its constituent crocin as an immunomodulator in animals

The present study was undertaken to evaluate immunomodulatory activity of Crocus sativus \nand its active constituent crocin. Crocus sativus and crocin were administered orally at doses of 50 mg/kg \nand 9.69 mg/kg, respectively. The dose of crocin was selected based on the amount present in 50 mg of saffron. \nThe effect on cellular immunity was evaluated using the neutrophil adhesion test, cyclophosphamideinduced \nneutropenia and carbon clearance assay, while the effect on humoral immunity was studied using \nthe mice lethality test, serum immunoglobulins estimation and the indirect haemagglutination assay. The \nresults revealed that Crocus sativus and crocin stimulate both cellular and humoral immune responses. \nBoth these agents produced a significant increase in adhesion of neutrophils, attenuation of cyclphosphamide- \ninduced neutropenia and an increase in phagocytic index in carbon clearance assay indicating \ntheir effect on cellular immunity. The effect on humoral immune response was demonstrated by reduction \nin mortality in the mice lethality assay, a rise in serum immunoglobulin levels and an increase in thymus \ngland weight and haemagglutination titre value.