Immune modulation potentials of aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves in male rat

Abstract: The immune modulation potentials of the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves was investigated. The dry pulverized leaves were extracted with water and lysophilized. Forty male albino rats were randomly picked into four groups. The first group received distilled water, while the other groups were administered daily 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg BW doses for 84 days. Effect of the chronic administration of the extracts on haematological parameters, IL-6, TNF-α, serum levels of bilirubin and uric acid were estimated. The packed cell volume was not significantly changed (p<0.05), while haemoglobin and red blood cell were increased significantly (p<0.05) only in group four. Dose dependent significant increases (p<0.05) were observed in platelet count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Mean cell volume was reduced significantly (p<0.05), but with no significant differences (p <0.05) among the test groups. Mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration showed significant reductions (p<0.05) in the group 4 only. The white blood cell and lymphocytes were increased significantly (p< 0.05) with group 2 and 3 been statistically equal. Significant reductions (p< 0.05) were observed in neutrophil and eosinophils in the group 4 rats only. Monocyte was increased significantly (p<0.05) in group 4 only. Dose dependent significant increases (p<0.05) were observed in the serum IL -6 and TNF-α. Total and direct bilirubin decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 2 and 3, while significant increases (p<0.05) was shown in group 4. Indirect bilirubin was increased significantly (p< 0.05) in group 3 and 4 only. Uric acid was reduced significantly (p<0.05) in group 2 and 3, while group 4 showed significant increase (p<0.05). The overall result suggested that the chronic consumption of the aqueous extract of A. paniculata boosted the immune functions, but the 1000 mg/kg BW dose predisposed to anaemia, possibly multiple myeloma and autoimmunity