THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF Phaleria macrocarpa EXTRACT ON THE PERIPHERAL IMMUNE SYSTEM IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED RABBITS

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Immunonutritions are effective in improving outcomes in wide range of individuals, particularly malnourished, and reported to improve the immune status of perioperative patients, thereby reducing complications and length of hospital stay. This study aimed to investigate the protective effectiveness of Phaleria macrocarpa extract on the peripheral immune system in immunocompromised rabbits and to assess whether the daily uptake of specific dosage could improve the immune cells responses in these animals. Prior to subdividing experimental groups and sampling we run several pilot studies to design our protocol and to set the accurate dosage of the immunosuppresser drug (Imuran® ). Daily doses of 20 mg/kg for 15 days were adequate to produce immunocompromised status in rabbits and to have them fully immunocompromised, followed by treatment with the plant extraction (500 mg/kg for another 15 days). The mean of absolute full blood count (FBC) showed a significant improvement in the treated group (9.16±0.39 x109 ) compared to non-treated (3.20±0.59 x109) and control (9.68±0.30 x109) groups. Differential cells profiles analysis (flowcytometry technique) of lymphocytes, neutrophils, B-Cells, as well as, CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte showed that treatment with the extraction has maintained the populations of these cells significantly, treated group showed increment in the cell percentages of CD4 (24%), lymphocytes (23%), neutrophils (19.8%) and B-Cells (18.9%), Compared to the non-treated group CD4 (10.6%) and neutrophils (13.3%), while control group showed less than 10% of all cells populations (ANOVA analysis).This extract has significantly improved specific and nonspecific immune system cells, through the modulation of their populations and peripheral ratios, which thus, can reflect to improvement in overall immunity. The use of this herbal treatment can be developed and used by human to develop promising supplement, which could make it easier to adapt the systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, caused by immunosuppressive medications, given usually a result of disease, malnutrition, HIV infections, pregnant females, patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for certain cancers and genetic disorders.