The Effect of Prolonged Consumption of Aqueous Extract of Raphia Hookeri Pulp Fruit on Selected Immune Parameters on Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

This research aims to ascertain the effect of oral administration of a aqueous fruit extract of Raphia Hookeri on selected immune parameters in male wistar rats. The fruits were obtained from Emoh community in Abua/Odual L.GA, Rivers State, A total of 28 apparently healthy male rats weighing between 137-190g were divided into four groups, 7 rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control were given feed and water, group 2 given 500mg/kg, group 3 given 1000mg/kg, group 4 given 2000mg/kg of the extract for 28 days and blood samples collected. Laboratory test done and statistical analysisexpressed as mean± SEM using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24).The result for IgA when compared the treated groups and control, there was slight variation in values but the result is not significant at P<0.05, there were marginal variation in IgE, when compared the treated groups with the control, the result showed no significant difference, there was a significant decrease in group 2 for IgM, also a slight variation in group 3 and 4 when compared with the control not statistically significant at P<0.05.Very plausible to state that there is no proportional effect of the aqueous extract on Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin E (IgE). There was a significant decrease in Immunoglobulin in (IgM) level noticed in group2 and no significant difference in groups 3 and 4.The findings of the study has proven that prolonged consumption of Raphia Hookeri fruit extract boost immunity via immunoglobulins in male wistar rats.