Immuno-modulation effect of sulphated polysaccharide (porphyran) from Porphyra vietnamensis.

Our investigation explores the immuno-efficiency of sulphated polysaccharides enriched Porphyra vietnamenis. Isolated polysaccharide fraction (17.1-25.8%) was characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy which showed the presence of typical linear backbone structure called as porphyran. Oral administration of porphyran (200-500 mg/kg) evoked a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in weight of the thymus, spleen and lymphoid organ cellularity. The total leucocyte and lymphocyte count was increased significantly (P<0.005). The increase in the percent neutrophil adhesion to nylon fibres as well as a dose-dependent increase in antibody titre values was observed. A decreased response to DTH reaction induced by SRBC was recorded. A potential phagocytic response was seen and significant changes were observed in the formation of formazone crystals. It also prevented myelosuppression in cyclophosphamide drug treated rats. The results indicated that P. vietnamenis possesses potential immunomodulatory activity and has therapeutic potential for the prevention of autoimmune diseases.