Abstract
In this study, the effect of methanol extract of whole aerial parts of Phyllantus niruri on some specific and non-specific immune response was investigated. The effects of P. niruri on in vivo leucocyte mobilization, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTHR) response, and humoral antibody (HA) response were determined in rats. Acute toxicity profile of P. niruri was evaluated in mice. The Agar induced in vivo leucocytes mobilization into the rats peritoneal fluid was (P<0.05) increased by P. niruri N (200 and 400 mg/kg) in a dose related manner. The total leucocytes count was higher in the extract treated group than the control group. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNS) were more mobilized than the lymphocytes. P. niruri at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight produced significant (P<0.05) inhibition of DTH response in rat by 30.55, 66.67 and 44.44%, respectively with 200 mg/kg being most significant. The primary and secondary sheep red blood cell antibody titres were significantly elevated when compared with the control group. P. niruri administered orally showed no death or signs of acute intoxication at doses up to 5000 mg/kg after 24 h of observation. The result of this study showed that the methanol extract of P. niruri whole plant possess immunomodulatory activities and warrant further investigation to determine the specific constituent(s) of the plant responsible for this property. Key words: Phyllantus niruri, leucocyte mobilization, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTHR), humoral antibody titre, immunomodulation. 
Highlights
The immune system is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from harmful non-self agents such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses and cancers
Groups of mice treated with P. niruri showed significantly (P
The results of this study showed that the delayed type hypersensitivity reaction evoked by sheep red blood cell (SRBC) in mice was inhibited in groups that were treated with the P. niruri extract
Summary
The immune system is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from harmful non-self agents such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses and cancers. It utilizes the non-specific (innate) and the specific (adaptive) systems to eliminate these threats. Substances that stimulate the immune system are indicated in the treatment of cancer, immunodeficiency diseases, for generalized immunosuppression following drug treatment, for combination therapy with antibiotics, and as adjuvants for improving vaccines immunogenicity (Nworu et al, 2007, 2010). Immunosuppressive agents are indicated for conditions associated with hyperimmune responsiveness such as transplanted organ rejection and autoimmune disorders
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
