title: Immunological studies on the aerial roots of the Indian banyan.
abstract: The aqueous extract of the aerial roots the Indian Banyan, Ficus benghalensis L. (Family: Moraceae) was evaluated for its effect on both specific and non-specific immunity. This extract exhibited a significant increase in percentage phagocytosis by human neutrophils in the in vitro tests. It exhibited promising immunostimulant activity at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in SRBC induced hypersensitivity reaction and hemagglutination reaction in rats. The aqueous extract was found to stimulate the cell mediated and antibody mediated immune responses.
authors.affiliation: C. U. Shah College of Pharmacy, S. N. D. T. Women's University, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai-400 049, India.
authors.forename: Tabassum
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Pratima
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tatke
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Gabhe