Protective Effect of Hesperidin on Humoral and Cell-mediated Immunity in Rat Model

Context: Hesperidin, an important bioflavonoid, is abundantly found in various foodstuffs and can be regarded as an essential nutraceutical. Hesperidin has been acknowledged for its protective and beneficial effects on various aspects of biological system. Objectives: The present study was aimed to examine the effect of hesperidin on the regulation of the immune response in experimental animal models. Materials and Methods: The immunomodulatory effects of hesperidin were determined in rats using different experimental models including carbon clearance test, cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia, neutrophil adhesion test, effect on serum immunoglobulin, neutrophil adhesion and indirect hemagglutination test. Hesperidin was administered orally at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/ kg p.o. Cyclophosphamide (30 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a standard immunosuppressant. Results: Hesperidin in all test doses demonstrated notable immunomodulatory responses in a sheep red blood cell challenge model. There was a refurbishment in the functioning of leucocytes in cyclophosphamide- treated rats and an increased clearance of carbon particles. The antibodytiter in the hemagglutination test showed increased levels of immunoglobulin. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that hesperidin possesses sufficient potential for modulating immune activity by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms.