<i>Camphora</i> Augments Humoral Mediated Immunity and Decreases Delayed type Hypersensitivity in BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Background: Immunomodulation encompasses all therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying the immune response. The immune response augments are desirable to prevent infection in immunodeficiency states and fight established diseases. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of the homeopathic medicine, Camphora, in 6CH, 30CH, and 200CH potencies on immunomodulation in experimental animals. The acute oral toxicity study was also carried out in 6CH, 30CH, and 200CH potencies to determine the safe dose volume for the immunomodulatory study. Methodology: Acute oral toxicity studies of Camphora in 6CH, 30CH, and 200CH potencies were carried out as per OECD guideline 423 with slight modifications in Wistar albino rats. Humoral immunity, i.e., primary and secondary humoral responses, was assessed by measuring the hemagglutination titre of sheep red blood cells. Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) was evaluated by measuring footpad thickness in BALB/c mice. Results: Camphora in 6CH, 30CH and 200CH potencies at a dose volume of 2000 µl/kg did not cause any mortality in the rats when administered as a single dose. Camphora in 6CH, 30CH and 200CH potencies showed augmented primary and secondary humoral responses against the SRBC antigen in BALB/c mice. However, the values were statistically non-significant except in the case of 6 CH potency (p<0.01), which showed statistically significant primary anti-SRBC antibodies. In the DTH assay, Camphora in 6CH, 30CH and 200CH potencies significantly decreased the paw volume ratio after 24 hrs of SRBC injection in the paw, thus insinuating its role in reducing cell-mediated immunity. Camphora in 6CH, 30CH and 200CH potencies also showed enhanced antibody titres and decreased paw volume compared to vehicle control, i.e. dispensing alcohol, suggesting that the effect was imminent because of Camphora. Conclusion: The study results indicate that Camphora in 6CH, 30CH, and 200 CH potencies is safe up to a dose volume of 2000 µl/kg when administered as a single dose, augments the primary and secondary humoral immunity, and decreases DTH in experimental animals. The current study’s findings suggest that Camphora might be useful as an immunomodulator in treating immune system disorders and infectious diseases and require further investigation to investigate its mechanism of action.