Exploring the immunomodulating potential of Cocculus hirsutus and Cissampelos pareira in rats through 3β-HSDH/total Ig level/CIC level

Stress is another prevalent disorder that has adverse health effects both physically and psychologically. The effects of chronic stress include immune system dysfunction, neurochemical disequilibrium, and behavioral changes. The limitations and side effects of synthetic drugs have led to the synergies of natural compounds as stress-controlling and immune-regulating substances. Bioactive compounds derived from plant sources have therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. The paper has explored the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of the ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Cissampelos pareira (EECP) and Cocculushirsutus (EECH) in rats, as well as their effects on stress-induced changes. EECP and EECH were administered using a single dose of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively, and separately (EECP 700 mg/kg: low dose and EECP 1400 mg/kg: high dose of EECP + EECH). Behavioral, biochemical, and immunological parameters were assessed to evaluate the effects of the extracts. The serum glucose, corticosterone, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, hemagglutination (HA) titers, and phagocytic index activity were determined as the critical measures of stress and immune response. The combination and single method of using EECP and EECH significantly reduced the AChE activity, serum glucose, IL-10, and corticosterone. Simultaneously, it was noted that HA titers, IL-12, and the phagocytic index also increased, indicating improved immune function and neuroprotection under stress. EECP and EECH exhibited good neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects in stressed rats, indicating that the two natural compounds have therapeutic potential for stress management, including immune and behavioral changes associated with stress.