Immunopharmacological screening of aqueous root extract of Santalum album

Introduction: In order to scrutinize the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents, many research groups have focused their works on the field of immunopharmacology. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the immunopharmacological activity of aqueous root extract of Santalum album against Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: Variable doses of aqueous root extract of Santalum album (0.5-30 mg/ml, 50 μl) were prepared using phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and tested for proliferation assay, nitric oxide production and CD14 monocyte surface marker using flow cytometry. Results: Aqueous root extract of Santalum album inhibited proliferation, nitric oxide production and CD14 monocyte surface marker at higher doses. Conclusion: Aqueous root extract of Santalum album possesses both anti-inflammatory as well as antiviral activities and might be used for these purposes.