Abstract
Extracts of some spices have been reported to play a contributory role in enhancing immune function. We evaluated and compared the effect(s) of single and combined oral administration of fresh aqueous onion (Allium cepa) and garlic (Allium sativum) extracts at different concentrations on some immunological determinants in rats. CD₄ cells of the rats were estimated using Partec flow cytometric technique, while total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts were estimated using the Sysmsex® automated haematology analyzing technique. Our findings revealed that, CD4 and total WBC counts were significantly increased (P≤0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in both onion (250mg/Kg/d: 349±11cell/ul and 2.75±0.15X10³cell/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 389±10cells/µl and 3.05±0.05 X10³cell/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 600±11cell/µl and 3.25±0.05X10³cells/l) and garlic (250mg/Kg/d: 410±10cell/ul and 2.85±0.15X10³cell/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 494±32cells/µl and 3.30±0.10 X10³cell/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 684±11cell/µl and 3.55±0.05X10³cells/l) treated rats when compared to the zero control (200±11cells/µl and 1.55±0.05X10³cells/l, respectively). Extract of garlic at 750mg/Kg/d had significantly increased the CD4 cells and total white cell count when compared to other concentrations (P≤0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on these parameters when extracts were combined (250mg/Kg/d: 252±21cell/µl and 1.80±0.10X10³cells/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 315±21cells/ul and 2.10±0.10X10³cells/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 368±10cells/µl and 2.35±0.05X10³cells/l, respectively), the differential WBC count showed a significant increase in the proportion of cell types (lymphocytes, neutophils and monocytes) (P≤0.05). The results from this study revealed the immune boosting capabilities of Allium cepa and Allium sativum, but underscored their synergistic activities.
Highlights
The human immune system has a central role in protecting against various external disease-promoting factors and perhaps against malignant cells
CD4 and total white blood cell (WBC) counts were significantly increased (P≤0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in both onion (250mg/Kg/d: 349±11cell/ul and 2.75±0.15X103cell/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 389±10cells/μl and 3.05±0.05 X103cell/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 600±11cell/μl and 3.25±0.05X103cells/l) and garlic (250mg/Kg/d: 410±10cell/ul and 2.85±0.15X103cell/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 494±32cells/μl and 3.30±0.10 X103cell/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 684±11cell/μl and 3.55±0.05X103cells/l) treated rats when compared to the zero control (200±11cells/μl and 1.55±0.05X103cells/l, respectively)
No significant effect was observed on these parameters when extracts were combined (250mg/Kg/d: 252±21cell/μl and 1.80±0.10X103cells/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 315±21cells/μl and 2.10±0.10X103cells/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 368±10cells/μl and 2.35±0.05X103cells/l, respectively), the differential WBC count showed a significant increase in the proportion of lymphocytes, neutophils, monocytes (P≤0.05) (Table 2)
Summary
The human immune system has a central role in protecting against various external disease-promoting factors and perhaps against malignant cells. Among the most effective medicinal spices are garlic and onion. They are both members of the genus Allium, belonging to the family Alliaceae (Augusti, 1996). There is a growing body of evidence that garlic possesses important immune enhancing and anticancer properties (Fleischauer et al, 2000 ). Allicin has a number of beneficial properties, which could act together to enhance the body’s response to disease. Several garlic components have displayed significant immune enhancing as well as anticancer effects (Abdullah et al, 1989; You, 1989; Dorant et al, 1993)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
