Nanoparticle delivery of combined plant extracts enhances immune response in immunocompromised rats

Abstract

Abstract Recently, the world has been dealing with diseases that spread easily and weaken the body’s natural defenses. Boosting natural immunity can help prevent these diseases. This study sought to assess the immunomodulatory effects of extracts from Illicium verum , Saussurea costus , and Glycyrrhiza glabra , both individually and in conjunction with chitosan and carboxy chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs and C.CS NPs), in immunosuppressed male rats. The primary objective was to assess whether the combined plant extracts exhibit superior immunomodulatory effects compared to single treatments. The herbal extracts were tested chemically. The nanoparticles and loaded herbal extracts were studied for size, charge, and chemical structure, and their safety was tested on two cell types. The study used 104 adult male rats, divided into 13 groups: a control group, an immunosuppressed group, three groups treated with herbal extracts, two nano groups, and six groups treated with loaded herbal extracts. Immunosuppression was caused by injecting 20 mg of dexamethasone weekly. Herbal extracts, CS NPs, C.CS NPs, and the loaded herbal extracts were given orally every day after day for 28 days. The study checked immune health, tissue structure, and cell growth marker Ki-67. All treatments improved immune health by increasing white blood cells, complement 3 and 4, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor levels, and raised Ki-67 expression. Incorporation of chitosan and methyl carboxy chitosan (C.Cs) nanoparticles amplified the immunostimulatory effect at a reduced dosage of 100 mg/kg, with the C.Cs-based formulation exhibiting enhanced therapeutic performance. The results highlight the promise of nanoparticle-formulated herbal extracts, especially C.CS-loaded variants, as potent immunomodulatory agents with enhanced therapeutic efficacy.