The Effect of Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Nchuanwu) Leaf Extract on Hematolgical Parameters of Immumnosuppressed Albino Rats.

Abstract

The effect of Ocimum tenuiflorum on hematological parameters in immunosuppressed albino rats was investigated in this study. The aqueous (AE) and methanol extract (ME) of the leaf were obtained. Acute toxicity study was done to determine the LD50 of the leaf extract. Rats of mixed sexes, aged 2-3months, weighing 150 to 240 grams were used. The rats were divided into 8 groups A-H of four rats each. Group A served as normal control. Immune-suppression was induced using 3mg/kg bodyweight of cyclophosphamide (CP) to rats in groups B to F for 5 days. Group B was CP control. Group C, D, E and F received 500 mg/kg bodyweight (b.wt) of AE, 1000mg/kg b.wt of AE, 500 mg/kg b.wt of ME, and 1000 mg/kg b.wt of ME once daily for 21 days by oral route, using oral cannula. Groups G & H (none induced) received 500 mg/kg b.wt AE and 1000 mg/kg b.wt ME once daily for 21 days. Rats in all the groups received rat feed and water ad libitum for 21 days. On days 15 and 22, 2ml of blood were drawn from each rat via the median canthus into EDTA (ethylenediamin tetra acetic acid) bottle. The HB, PCV, total and differential WBC, were determined using automatic cell counter. Group B CP control of day 15 showed significantly deceased value in HB; 5.8 ± 0.30g/dl, PCV; 17.6 ± 0.74%, WBC; 0.63 ± 0.2x103/µl Neut; 0.75 ± 1.50%, Lym; 3.5 ± 4.73%, compared with the normal control group A: HB; 13.65 ± 0.47g/dl, PCV;41.15 ± 1.35%, WBC; 11.35 ± 1.76 x103/µl, Neut; 22.25 ± 6.55%, Lym; 73.75 ± 6.75, Mono; 2.5 ± 1.73, Eos; 1.75 ± 1.26, (P<0.001). Groups C, D, E and F, of day 15 had significant increase in (Hb); 11.27 ± 0.85g/dl, 12 ± 0.30g/dl, 11.67 ± 0.38g/dl, 12.45 ± 0.31g/dl when compared with CP control group B: HB value; 5.88 ± 0.30g/dl (P<0.05). Groups C, D, E and F had significantly increased PCV; 33.47 ± 2.17%, 36.53 ± 0.50%, 35,5 ± 1.67%, 37.35 ± 1.12%, when compared with CP control group B; PCV value; 17.58 ± 0.74%, (P<0.01). (WBC) count on day 15 were increased in groups C, D, E and F, values were; 23.87 ± 24.16 x 103µ/l, 12.07± 2.8 x 103µ/l, 14.97 ± 4.24 x 103µ/l, and 14.3 ± 7.40 x 103µ/l compared with the CP control B; 0.63 ± 0.21 x 103µ/l,( P<0.001). Lym count was significantly raised in groups C; 30 ± 14.73%, D; 42 ± 14.18%, E; 54.67 ± 8.08%, F; 21.75 ± 11.21%, when compared with the CP control group B; 3.5 ± 4.73%, (P<0.001) Neutrophil count revealed very high count in groups C; 63.33 ± 10.60%, D; 54.33 ± 15.70%, E; 38.33±6.66%, F; 77.75±11.00%, when compared with the CP control 0.75±1.50% (P<0.001). On day 22, there was an increase in neutrophil count in groups D; 60±14.40%, and F; 52%, when compared with group B; 38±4.24% (p<0.001). Lymphocytes count were significantly increased in groups C; 55.5±12.02%, and E; 60±7.07%, when compared with the CP control group B; 54.64±7.57%, (P<0.05). Monocyte count was significantly raised in groups C; 2±0.00%, D; 1.15±2.12%, and F; 2%, when compared with control group B; 1±1.00%, (P<0.05) Eosinophil count, were significantly high in groups C; 5±7.07% and E; 4±1.41%, when compared with the CP control group B; 1.33±1.53%, (P<0.001). The HB concentration revealed significant increase in groups C; 11.65±0.21g/dl, D; 13.15±0.49g/dl, E; 12.25±9.07g/dl F; 13.43±1.33g/dl when compared with the CP control group B; 5.633±0.85g/dl, (P<0.05). The pack cell volume showed significantly increased value in groups C; 35.2±0.85%, D; 39.85±1.34%, E; 36.95±0.21%, F; 41.9%,when compared with the CP control B; 17.43±2.23%, (P<0.01). The phytochemical analysis of the aqueous and methanol extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum reveal the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, reducing sugar, glycosides, saponin, tannin, protein, steroids, oil, resin, and acidic compound. The histological analysis of the liver and spleen of the normal control showed normal features of the hepatic and splenic tissues. The treated group and none induced that received 500mg/kg AE and 1000mg/kg ME showed normal features of the two organs, with mild histopathological changes, which could still be the effect of CP. Ocimum tenuiflorum leaf of aqueous and methanol extract has mild effect on the liver and spleen of albino rats at dose used in this study; hence it is safe for use in traditional medicine. In conclusion this study has revealed that Ocimum t. extract has the ability to boost suppressed immunity.