In-vitro study: Immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity effects of ethanolic leave extracts of Aegle marmelos

Objective: To assess the immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties of the coastal trees Aegle marmelos (A. marmelos) and Ficus benghalensis (F. benghalensis) by in-vitro methods. Methods: A. marmelos and F. benghalensis leaves were extracted with the solvents di-ethyl ether, ethanol and methanol. The extracts were investigated for antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria and immunomodulatory activity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), respectively. Results: F. benghalensis ethanol cold extract gave maximum inhibition zones against Escherichia coli NCIM 2931 (B2) at 18 mm and enhanced the growth of human PBMC. It was non-toxic to human PBMC shown by the Tryphan blue dye exclusion method, sulforhodamine B and MTT assays. IR phyto-chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of the functional groups: NH, CH2, CH3, CO, OH, -C-C=O, and C-S. We confirmed the presence of quantifiable amounts of tannins and alkaloids with traces of phenolic compounds by thin layer chromatography analysis. Conclusions: Leaves of A. marmelos and F. benghalensis provide both antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties.