Immunoactive Profile of Aqueous Extracts of Desmodium adscendens in Mice

Abstract

The pharmacological effects of aqueous extracts of Desmodium adscendens on selected immunological parameters were studied. This study deals with the evaluation of impact on the acute, subacute, and subchronic oral administrations of aqueous extracts of D. adscendens on both cellular and humoral immunity. The flow cytometry technique was used to determine the number of granulocytes, monocytes, and total lymphocytes, particularly TCD4⁺, TCD8⁺ and NK cells. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure the concentration of immunoglobulins (A, E, and G). The results clearly demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of D. adscendens affect the immune system. It decreased the counts of the total lymphocytes, particularly TCD4⁺, TCD8⁺, and NK cells, decreased the humoral immunity, and increased the monocyte counts. Aqueous extracts of D. adscendens have potentially strong effects on both cellular and humoral immunity, thus explaining its extensive traditional uses.

Keywords:

• leukocytes
• immunoglobulins
• flow cytometer
• ELISA

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the English Department of the American University of Science and Technology for help with preparation of this paper in English.