Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Buchanania lanzan fruits

Buchanania lanzan is a deciduous tree that yields seeds which are consumable by humans. This species is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, and neighbouring regions of China, commonly referred to as charoli or chironji. The seeds, which possess an almond-like flavor, are primarily utilized as a culinary spice in India. Once the hard shell is broken, the seed inside resembles a soft pine nut. In developing nations such as India, Africa, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the food crisis is exacerbated by the growing population, diminishing arable land, rising prices of staple foods, and import restrictions. These factors have led to a significant increase in hunger and malnutrition, particularly affecting children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Today, the food serves not only as a source of essential nutrients but also as a potent form of medicine. Consequently, food has been recognized as both functional and medicinal. There is an urgent need to explore new food sources and to utilize the vast array of lesser-known plant species available in nature. Types of food consumed by impoverished communities, particularly tribal populations, are often limited in variety and scale. Buchanania lanzan (Anacardiaceae) is a medicinal plant recognized for its documented anti-ulcer, wound healing, and anticancer properties. Additionally, it has been traditionally associated with immunomodulatory effects, although scientific validation of this claim remains lacking. The hydroalcoholic extract derived from the fruits of B. lanzan has been found to contain various phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, and saponins. The immunomodulatory potential of this extract was assessed in laboratory animals through several models. The results indicated significant immunomodulatory activity and anti-inflammatory activity. The multifaceted mechanisms of action attributed to this plant may be linked to its key phytoconstituents, particularly Luteolin [2,3-dihydro-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) chromen-4-one], which is present in the n-butanol hydroalcoholic extract of its fruits.