Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity & Immuno-modulatory effect of Mukta Pishti- An experimental study

In modern era the formation of free radicals has increased due to modern lifestyle choices in food and drug use. These cytotoxic free radicals not only increase oxidative stress but also have a significant impact on immune system function and making people more susceptible to a wide range of serious illnesses. Rajayakshma, kasa and other inflammatory or auto allergic diseases are formed due to diminished immune system. Immuno-modulation is a process which can alter the bio system of an organism by interfering with its function (by destroying pathogens) and result in an enhancement of immune reactions (increasing the body immunity).

Oxidation reaction can form free radicals which in turn start chain reaction that damages the cell. Antioxidant is a molecule which is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecule. It acts at different levels such as preventive, radical scavenging, repair etc. Mukta (fresh water cultured pearl) has been chosen for the study because Mukta has its qualities like ayushya, vrishya, pushtikarana, virya-balya-buddhi vardhanam, medhya, hridya effect and its therapeutic indication includes kshaya, agnimandya, shwasa, kasa, visha vikara, rajayakshma, asthishosha, jeernajwara  etc.  Although having its broad therapeutic purpose it is not much in practice. The present study is carried out to validate Mukta pishti as an antioxidant and immunomodulator.