Idoko ND, Chukwuma IF, Nworah FN, Mba SE, Joshua PE, Nwodo OFC, Abusudah WF, Almohmadi NH, de Waard M. Immunomodulatory effects of epiphytic Loranthus micranthus leaf extracts collected from two host plants: Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa.
BMC Complement Med Ther 2024;
24:7. [PMID:
38166988 PMCID:
PMC10759741 DOI:
10.1186/s12906-023-04282-4]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Immunological abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Due to the drug-related adverse effects of currently available orthodox immunomodulators, natural immunomodulators are being looked upon as potential agents to replace them in therapeutic regimens. This research aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of L. micranthus extracts epiphytic on Psidium guajava (LMPGE) and Parkia biglobosa (LMPBE).
METHODS
Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity testing were carried out to identify the phytoconstituents and safety profiles of the extracts. The extracts' innate and adaptive immunomodulatory potentials were determined in experimental animals using in vivo leucocyte mobilization, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutination antibody titre, and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression models. Levamisole was used as the standard drug throughout the study.
RESULTS
Compared to LMPBE, LMPGE contained significantly (p < 0.05) more tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the groups treated with the extracts had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the total number of leucocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and antibody titers relative to the untreated control. In the same way, the treatment raised TLC in cyclophosphamide-intoxicated rats, with 250 mg/kg b. w. of LMPGE and LMPBE recording 9712.50 ± 178.00 and 8000.00 ± 105.00 × 109 /L, respectively, compared to 3425.00 ± 2 5.00 × 109 /L in the untreated group. Overall, LMPGE was more effective.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this study suggest that L. micranthus epiphytic in Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa has possible immune stimulating potential.
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