Combretum calobotrys, antibody, immunomodulation, hypersensitivity, leucocyte mobilization

*Corresponding author:

ogechukwu.isiogugu@unn.edu.ng; +2347064858737

Page No.: 34-41
Volume: 1, Issue 1, 2020
Trends in Natural Products Research
Copy Right: NAPREG

Abstract

The leaves, stem barks and roots of Combretum calobotrys Engl. and Diels (Combretaceae) have been used over the years in South-Eastern Nigeria for anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-microbial and immune-stimulating activities. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory properties of C. calobotrys leaf extract (CCE) in rodents using in vivo leucocyte mobilization test, humoral antibody synthesis (HAS) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. Acute toxicity and lethality tests as well as phytochemical screening of CCE were also performed. The CCE up to 5000 mg/kg administered orally showed no sign of toxicity after 24 hr observation period. The CCE increased carrageenan-induced mobilization of total leucocytes into the peritoneal cavity. The CCE (250 mg/kg) caused elevation of both primary (4.8±1.46) and secondary (4.7±0.37) sheep red blood cells specific antibody titres, compared to the control (2.40±0.98 for primary and 4.60±0.40 for secondary). The CCE also stimulated delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. The CCE gave positive reactions for alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, resins, proteins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars. The results demonstrated that C. calobotrys leaf possesses immunomodulatory properties. Lethality tests as well as phytochemical screening of CCE were also performed. The CCE up to 5000 mg/kg administered orally showed no sign of toxicity after 24 hr Observation period. The CCE increased carrageenan-induced mobilization of total leucocytes into the peritoneal cavity. The CCE (250 mg/kg) caused elevation of both primary (4.8±1.46) and secondary (4.7±0.37) sheep red blood cells specific antibody titres, compared to the control (2.40±0.98 for primary and 4.60±0.40 for secondary). The CCE also stimulated delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. The CCE gave positive reactions for alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, resins, proteins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars. The results demonstrated that C. calobotrys leaf possesses immunomodulatory properties.