Unraveling the Medicinal Properties of Tinospora cordifolia in Chicken Lymphocytes: Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Perspectives

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been integral to traditional medicine for centuries, offering natural and cost-effective solutions for various ailments. The bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and glycosides, exhibit diverse biological activities, that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. These compounds play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and maintaining cellular health. Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), a climber from the Menispermaceae family, is revered in Ayurveda as "Amrita" or the "root of immortality." Known for its immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties, it has been traditionally used to treat conditions like fever, inflammation, respiratory disorders, and metabolic diseases. This study evaluates the antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of a 50% hydromethanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia stems (TCE) using chicken lymphocytes. The antioxidant activity of TCE was assessed through various in vitro assays and the Maximum Non-Cytotoxic Dose (MNCD) was determined using the MTT assay. Immunomodulatory effects were evaluated via the Lymphocyte Proliferation Assay (LPA) and the antioxidant status of TCE-treated lymphocytes was analyzed using cell-based assays. Results showed that TCE exhibited significant antioxidant activity and enhanced B and T cell proliferation in mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes. B cell proliferation increased by 18.997% following LPS stimulation, while T cell proliferation rose by 15.554% and 13.857% in response to PHA and Con A stimulation, respectively. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Tinospora cordifolia, which can be attributed to its rich phytochemical composition and robust biological activities. The study validates its traditional uses and supports its application in developing nutraceuticals and functional foods. Future research should focus on identifying bioactive compounds, elucidating underlying mechanisms and conducting clinical studies to optimize its utilization in modern healthcare systems.