Journal of Genetics, Immunology, and Allergy
Effect of Kigelia africana leaf extract on white blood cell differentials following cyclophosphamide-induced immunocompromised Wistar rats
Abstract
Onwu Daniel Ocha, Justina Imere and Dasofunjo Kayode
This research was aimed at assessing the effects of the administration of aqueous extract of Kigelia africana on white blood cell differentials in cyclophosphamide-induced immune-compromised Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were allowed to acclimatize for a period of 7 days in a well-ventilated room at room temperature and relative humidity of 29 °C and 70 %, respectively, with a 12-hour natural light-dark cycle. They were allowed food and water ad libitum. Good hygiene was maintained by daily cleaning and removal of faeces and spills from their cages. The rats were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Group A (NC) were fed with normal chow and distilled water only. Group B: immune-compromised rats (induced with cyclophosphamide) without treatment (immune-compromised control). Group C: immune-compromised rats treated with Immunal (Standard control). Group D: immune-compromised rats treated with 100 mg/kg bwt petroleum leaf extract of K. africana (PETLEKG1). Group E: immune-compromised rats treated with 200 mg/kg bwt petroleum leaf extract of K. africana (PETLEKG2). Immunosuppression in Wistar rats was induced intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg b.wt. of cyclophosphamide for 7 days in designated rat groups. The dose regimens were administered once daily for an experimental period of 14 days. The result reveals that there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in total white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and basophils when compared to the normal and standard control groups. It can be inferred from this present work that the extract of K. africana may fight against infection or foreign bodies through specific and non-specific immune response as well as haematopoietic and erythropoietic properties binding to particular receptors on the phagocyte and lymphocyte cell surfaces, stimulating the production of certain enzymes by the cell that can eliminate infections.