Effect of Pleurotus djamor var. roseus, an edible mushroom on neutrophil functions

Immune stimulation is an effective as well as protective approach against emerging infectious diseases. Mushroom has been valued throughout the world as both food and medicine for thousands of years. The immunomodulatory activities of methanolic extract of Pleurotus djamor var. roseus (MEPDR, 500 mg/kg/body weight for 48 days) were assessed by testing the various neutrophil functions like adherence, phagocytosis (phagocytic index), avidity index and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction in albino rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups namely, MEPDR treated and corresponding immunised rats were used. Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) were used for immunisation. The immunised rats were inoculated with SRBCs. The studied neutrophil functions were significantly stimulated in MEPDR-treated groups.