Effect of Ipomoea batatas Linn. (Lam) Root Extracts on Phagocytosis by Human Neutrophils

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of methanol extract of Ipomoea batatas root on neutrophils phagocytic function. Methods: Different concentrations (10, 20,50,100,1000 μg/ml) of methanol extract of Ipomoea batatas root was subjected to study its effect on different in vitro methods of phagocytosis such as neutrophils locomotion and chemotaxis test, in vitro immunostimulant activity by slide method and qualitative nitro blue tetrazolium test using human neutrophils. Result: The methanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas roots had stimulated chemotactic, phagocytic and intracellular killing potency of human neutrophils at the concentration range of 10-100μg/ml. Conclusions: The methanolic extract of Ipomoea batatas roots stimulates cell mediated immune system by increasing neutrophil phagocytic function.