THE EFFECT OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF DRACOCEPHALUM KOTSCHYI ON ELECTROPHORETIC PATTERN AND BLOOD IMMUNOGLOBULINS OF LABORATORY MICE

Dracocephalum kotschyi is one of the medicinal plants that is involved in the treatment of many diseases and contains flavonoids, monoterpene, terpenoids, phytosterol and beta-caryophyllene compounds. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Dracocephalum extract on blood immunoglobulins of female mice (Balb/C race). Fifty mice were divided into five groups: control, placebo, and extract groups at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight. Hydroalcoholic extract was injected intraperitoneal every two days for 20 days. Biochemical blood tests were performed using protein electrophoresis. The indices evaluated were albumin, beta-globulin, alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin, gamma-globulin, and the ratio of albumin to globulin. Results showed increased levels of albumin in the 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg groups, alpha-1 in 50 mg/kg group and alpha-2 in all groups. Beta-globulin was significantly decreased in 50 and 100mg/kg groups compared to the control group. Gamma globulin amount was decreased in 50 mg/kg but increased by 100 and 200 mg/kg groups. The ratio of albumin to globulin was significantly decreased in 100mg/kg group compared to control group. According to the results, the extract can affect blood proteins, dose dependently and it has different effects at different doses, which emphasizes the proper use of herbs. Keywords: hydroalcoholic extract, Dracocephalum kotschyi, immune system, laboratory mic