The Ayurvedic pharmacopeia is enriched with an extensive array of classical formulations, incorporating elements from plant, animal, and mineral sources, either individually or in combination 11. These formulations, crafted over time by revered Rishis and Munis of ancient India, were rooted in visionary and intuitive wisdom, complemented by keen observations. The sages documented the formulas along with brief descriptions of preparation methodologies and recommended usage with doses. However, applied aspects of Ayurvedic therapy were more hands-on back then, guided by a Guru and the knowledge was transmitted through generations, adhering to the Guru Shishya Tradition of the era. Present-day Ayurveda primarily relies on these ancient descriptions, lacking modern pharmacological explanations.
IMMBO is a modified and standardized form of a classical Ayurvedic formulation called Punarnavadi Mandoor 12. IMMBO was first found effective in treating patients suffering from intermittent and persistent Allergic Rhinitis in a North India-based Ayurvedic clinical practice. IMMBO, which is prepared using eighteen herbs and Mandoor Bhasma, could easily be explained for its therapeutics following Ayurvedic concepts of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, and other essential parameters derived from Ayurvedic principles of diagnosis and treatment. However, it is difficult to explain it in today's scientific terminology. Hence, proof of efficacy study was carried out on IMMBO as a Phase III Randomised Controlled Comparative Clinical under subject experts of modern medicines. IMMBO depicted promising clinical efficacy in reducing IgE levels and total nasal symptom scores in the study 8.
IMMBO is a complex compound containing herbs and minerals. None of the ingredients possesses properties to treat Allergic Rhinitis when used alone, but act differently when used in a compound form, indicating the synergistic effect of herbs and minerals. In the above background, exploratory experimental studies were carried out on IMMBO to understand the science behind the seen effect in alleviating the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis.
The findings of the experimental studies shed light on the immuno-modulatory potential of IMMBO. The observed effectiveness of IMMBO in reinstating neutrophil activation under immune-suppressed conditions is a key indicator of its immunostimulant properties. The foot pad swelling assay reveals the ability of IMMBO to stimulate cellular immunity in immune-suppressed conditions induced by cyclophosphamide. The ability of IMMBO to compensate for the decline in antibody levels induced by cyclophosphamide, akin to the reference drug Levamisole, positions it as a potent stimulator of humoral response. The modulation of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and other cytokines demonstrates IMMBO's potential in counteracting immunosuppression at the molecular level. The observed reduction in ERK and PI3K levels after cyclophosphamide treatment and the subsequent correction by IMMBO suggests that IMMBO may exert its effects through the regulation of key signalling molecules involved in immune modulation. The study on NF-κB expression in RAW264.7 cells adds another layer of evidence to IMMBO's anti-inflammatory potential. The ability of IMMBO to block histamine release in IgE-activated cells suggests its potential in controlling allergic states. The results of the present study are very encouraging and advocate Ayurvedic knowledge by using modern scientific parameters and technology.
The comprehensive exploration of various immunological parameters provides valuable insights into its potential applications. However, the exact mode of action of IMMBO is unclear. It will be worthwhile to carry forward in-depth pharmacological studies to develop intriguing science behind the immune-enhancing characteristics of IMMBO starting its administration into the human body and its pathways from buccal mucosa to cellular metabolism.