Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Activity of the MethanolMethylene Chloride Extract of Parkia Biglobosa Jacq Benth. (Fabaceae) Stem Bark in Mice

The study was carried out to assess the effect of methanol/methylene chloride extract (MME) of Parkia biglobosa stem bark on specific and non-specific immune responses in rodents. Adult Swiss albino mice (20-35 g) of either sex were divided into five groups (n=5) and treated for 10 days. The effect of MME on adaptive immunity was evaluated using neutrophil adhesion test and cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia while mice lethality test was used to evaluate its effect on non-specific immunity. Results of the neutrophil adhesion test showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in neutrophil adhesion at 250 mg/kg. However, there was decrease in neutrophil adhesion at 500mg/kg and 750 mg/kg respectively. The extract also gave no significant protection from cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. The oral LD50 of the extract was greater than 5000 mg/kg and considered to be relatively safe. The findings above show that the stem barks extract of the plant enhanced some aspects of specific immunity and therefore to some extent, hold promise for use as an immunostimulatory agent though it may not offer good protection from the effect of cyclophosphamide on the haematopoietic system.