AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF ASHWAGANDHA AGAINST SO2 TOXICITY ON SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULINS IN ALBINO RAT

Abstract

The present study is designed to investigate the serum immunoglobulins viz. IgA, IgG and IgM after sub-acute (80ppm, 1h/d for 30 days) and sub-chronic (80ppm, 1h/d for 60 days) exposure to SO₂ gas in albino rat. The rats six sets- control set (I) and (IV) exposed to ambient air for 30 and 60 days, experimental set (II) and (V) exposed to SO₂ gas for 30 and 60 days and experimental set (III) and (VI)exposed to SO₂ gas with pre-exposure supplementation of aqueous extract of ashwagandha root (5mg/rat/day) for 30 and 60 days. The result of the present study shows a significant decrease in IgA, IgG and IgM after 30 days exposure to SO₂ gas, while a very highly significant decrease after 60 days exposure to SO₂ gas. However, an increase in values of serum immunoglobulins were observed after supplementation of aqueous extract of Ashwagandha. Modulation in serum immunoglobulins after supplementation of Ashwagandha extract is due to antioxidant defense mechanism against SO₂ toxicity.