IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF LUPINUS ARBOREUS IN RATS.
Sylvester C. Ohadoma*
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of methanol extract of Lupinus arboreus leaves in experimental rats. Methods: Four groups (I-IV) comprising five rats each were used. Group I animals were infected with Clostrodium sporogenes (NCIB 532) and Group II animals were infected with Clostrodium sporogenes and treated with 250 mg/kg of extract. Groups III and IV received extract (250 mg/kg) only and normal saline which served as control respectively. White Blood Cell count was done using Tork’s solution and haematoxytometer. The pack cell volume analysis was carried out using haematocrit centrifuge before reading through the microhaematocrit reader. The differential count was done using a Leishman’s stain and view under the microscope. The urinalysis was carried out using Combi 9 urine Test strip for macroscopic analysis and microscope for microscopic analysis. Histopathological evaluation was carried out using light microscopy. Results: The results showed an increase in total white blood cell count in the infected rats but the value reduced after treatment with the extract. Conversely, the pack cell volume reduced in the untreated rats. Neutrophil values reduced during infection but the values became normal after treatment. There was reduction in their weights during active infection in those that were dosed with the microorganisms due to infection while those that were dosed with the microorganism and treated with the extract as well as those given the extract only, showed an increase in their body weights respectively. Conclusion: The leaf extract of Lupinus arboreus possess immunomodulatory effect.
Keywords: Lupinus arboreus, Chikadoma, immunomodulatory, leaf extract.
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