Immunomodulatory Activity Of Methanolic Extract Of Ocimum Gratissimum In Wistar Albino Rats

ABSTRACT

Immunomodulatory activity of methanol leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum urn was investigated in albino rats using immunologic /haematologic indices. The animals were divided into four (4) groups. Group 1 received 100mg/kg body weight of methanolic leaf extract of Ocimun gratissimum. Group 2 received 100mg/kg body weight of methanolic leaf extract of Ocirnurngratissimum. Group 3 received only pyrogallol and group 4 (positive control) received normal feed for 21 days after which blood was drawn by ocular puncture for assays. The results showed significant (pO.05) increase, when compared to the negative control in the packed cell volume and haemoglobin level. Results of interleukin — 2 (IL-2) and interferon- y (IF-y) assays also showed a non-significant (p>O.05) increase when compared to the negative control. There was a significant (p>0.05) increase in primary and secondary antibody totre of rats given both low and high doses of the extract compared to the negative control. Therefore, the result of the study showed that immunomodulatory effect of ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) leaf extract is via stimulation of antibody production and increased cytokine expression in serum.