Parker Elijah Joshua1, Junaidu Yahaya1,2, Daniel Emmanuel Ekpo3, Joyce Oloaigbe Ogidigo1,4, Arome Solomon Odiba5,6,7, Rita Onyekachukwu Asomadu1, Samson Ayodeji Oka1,8, Olasupo Stephen Adeniyi9. 1. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 2. Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Colleges of Health Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 3. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State, Federal Republic of Nigeria. ekpodaniele@gmail.com. 4. Bioresources Development Centre, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 5. Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, 410001, Nsukka, Enugu State, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 6. Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530007, People's Republic of China. 7. National Engineering Research Centre for Non-Food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, 530007, People's Republic of China. 8. Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Colleges of Health Sciences, Kogi State University, P.M.B. 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 9. Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic and Allied Medical Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) is used traditionally in west Africa to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, filariasis microbial infections and conjunctivitis. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous seed extract of D. stramonium L. (ASEDS) on Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5). Group 1 received distilled water only. Rats in groups 2-6 were pretreated with 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Cyclophosphamide orally for 27-days to induce immunosuppression. Thereafter, they received treatment orally for 28 days as follows: Group 2 (distilled water), group 3 (5 mg/kg b.w. Levamisole), groups 4-6 (60, 90 and 120 mg/kg b.w. ASEDS, respectively). HPLC was used to determine major compounds in ASEDS. The effects of ASEDS on immune cells, immunoglobulins A, G and M levels, lipoproteins, and antioxidant status of rats were evaluated. RESULTS: ASEDS indicated high content of Acutumine, Quinine, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Vanillic acid, Luteolin, Formosanin C, Saponin, Cyanidin, Tannic acid, 3-Carene, Limonene and α-terpineol. Cyclophosphamide triggered significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total leucocyte count and differentials, IgA, IgG, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, C and E levels of untreated rats. Administration of ASEDS led to significant (p < 0.05) improvement in immune cell counts, immunoglobulin synthesis, high-density lipoprotein concentration, and antioxidant status of rats in the treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from the study showed the immunomodulatory activity of ASEDS, thereby indicating its potential in immunostimulatory drug discovery.
BACKGROUND: Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) is used traditionally in west Africa to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, filariasis microbial infections and conjunctivitis. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous seed extract of D. stramonium L. (ASEDS) on Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5). Group 1 received distilled water only. Rats in groups 2-6 were pretreated with 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Cyclophosphamide orally for 27-days to induce immunosuppression. Thereafter, they received treatment orally for 28 days as follows: Group 2 (distilled water), group 3 (5 mg/kg b.w. Levamisole), groups 4-6 (60, 90 and 120 mg/kg b.w. ASEDS, respectively). HPLC was used to determine major compounds in ASEDS. The effects of ASEDS on immune cells, immunoglobulins A, G and M levels, lipoproteins, and antioxidant status of rats were evaluated. RESULTS: ASEDS indicated high content of Acutumine, Quinine, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Vanillic acid, Luteolin, Formosanin C, Saponin, Cyanidin, Tannic acid, 3-Carene, Limonene and α-terpineol. Cyclophosphamide triggered significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total leucocyte count and differentials, IgA, IgG, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, C and E levels of untreated rats. Administration of ASEDS led to significant (p < 0.05) improvement in immune cell counts, immunoglobulin synthesis, high-density lipoprotein concentration, and antioxidant status of rats in the treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from the study showed the immunomodulatory activity of ASEDS, thereby indicating its potential in immunostimulatory drug discovery.