An Overview of Levamisole Hydrochloride with Immuno-Stimulant Activity

Levamisole, marketed as the hydrochloride salt under the trade name Ergamisol (R12564), is an anti helminthic and imminomodulator belonging to a class of synthetic imidazo-thiazole derivatives. It was discovered in 1966 at  Belgium's  Janssen pharmaceutica, where it was prepared initially in the form of its racemate called tetramisole. The two stereoisomersof tetramisole were subsequently synthesized, and the levorotatory isomer was given the name levamisole. Levamisole has been used in humans to treat parasitic worm infections, and has been studied in combination with other forms of chemotherapy for colon cancer, melanoma and head and neck cancer  In some of the leukemic cell line studies, both levamisole and tetramisole showed similar effect. Effective studies need to be undertaken to study the full potential of levamisole in Immunostimulation activities and immuno synergestic effect of Levamisole with combination to natural polysaccharides. Keywords-Levamisole, Immunostimulation, polysaccharide, Tetramisole