Activation of lymphocytes of normal and tumor bearing mice by mangiferin, a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone.

Mangiferin, a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone, was assessed for its immunomodulatory potential. The phytochemical induced extensive in vitro proliferation of murine splenocytes and thymocytes at the doses of 5-40 micrograms ml-1. Suppression of the proliferative response of the cells was observed with higher doses of mangiferin. Mangiferin also activated the splenocytes of tumor hosts at early and late stages of tumor growth. The Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and Con A unresponsive splenocytes of advanced tumor bearer proliferated extensively in response to mangiferin. Mangiferin when used with Con A produced additive stimulatory effect and induced heightened DNA synthesis of normal and advanced tumor bearers' splenocytes.