Immunomodulatory properties and biomarkers characterization of novel Withania somnifera based formulation supplemented with minerals in Sprague Dawley rats

Herbomineral formulations have been accepted world-wide due to its significant therapeutic outcomes. The study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of novel herbomineral formulation (TEBEH) on Sprague Dawley rats using cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. Major immune related parameters were monitored such haemagglutination assay, delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, cellular immune response (CD4 + and CD8 + ), IgG and IgM, hematological analysis, antioxidant profile, and estimation of major lipid biomarkers. The study results suggest herbomineral formulation significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) improved the concentration of primary and secondary titre by 41.18 and 68%. However, the rat paw edema at 24 h showed increased edema by 77.78% ( p ≤ 0.01). Herbomineral formulation exhibited increase in the CD4 + and CD8 + counts in animals by 28.03 and 60.70%, respectively. In addition, the concentrations of IgM and IgG were improved by 14.29 and 8.26% respectively. Besides, other supportive parameter such as hematology and antioxidant profile was significantly ( p ≤ 0.001) improved, while free radical, lipid peroxidation was decreased. Moreover, the major lipid biomarkers were improved such as decreased triglycerides, LDL and VLDL by 15.88, 3.65, and 16.01%, respectively. Overall, the promising results of this study indicated that the herbomineral formulation, TEBEH can be employed to improve the cellular and humoral immunity along with improved hematological, antioxidant, and lipid profile. Graphical abstract