Immuno-Modulatory activity of Mukta Bhasma (Calx of Cultured Pearls)

Objective: Immune activation is an effective as well as protective approach against emerging infectious diseases. To screen for in-vitro immuno-modulatory activity of Mukta Bhasma (Calx of cultured Pearl) on human neutrophils. Methods: Mukta Bhasma (MB) was subjected to In-vitro screening to assess its Immunomodulatory effect using the Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) assay, Phagocytosis & Candidacidal assay, Neutrophil locomotion and Chemotaxis test at five different doses of test drug (1mg, 0.5mg, 0.25mg, 0.125mg, 0.06mg). Results: Mukta bhasma has shown significant (p<0.001) increase in the % of NBT- stimulated cells and candida cells at 0.06mg. MB 0.125mg and MB 0.25 mg showed significant increase (p<0.01) in the candida cells when compared to MB 1.0mg. MB 0.06mg shows significant (p<0.001) increase in the phagocytic activity when compared to other doses of MB. MB showed significant (p<0.001) neutrophil and chemotactic activity at the dose of 0.06 mg and 0.125 mg. Mukta bhasma has shown significant(p<0.001) increase in all the parameters at the dose of 0.06 mg when compared to other doses of MB. Conclusion: The results were self-conclusive and indicated that Mukta Bhasma is immune- potent and showed immuno-modulatory effect at lower doses. Thus, the study revalidates the reference of Mukta Bhasma as a Rasayan and hence also establishing it as an Immunomodulator.