Immunoprotective Effects of the Polyherbal Aqueous Leaf Extract in Phenylhydrazine-Induced Immune-Suppressed Rats
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Abstract
The immune system protects against infection and oxidative damage, making the preservation of immune function an important therapeutic consideration. This study assessed the immunoprotective effects of a polyherbal aqueous leaf extract (PHALE) in phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-treated Wistar rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Anemia was induced using PHZ at 40 mg/kg, and treatment groups received oral folic acid at 10 mg/kg or PHALE at 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg for 14 days. Blood samples were assessed for CD4, CD8, total and differential white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and platelet indices. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean and analyzed using analysis of variance. PHZ administration reduced CD4, CD8, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets. By day 14, PHALE treatment showed dose-dependent restoration of CD4 and CD8 toward normal levels, alongside improved white blood cell counts and lymphocyte percentages of 83.0–84.0%. Platelet counts also increased following treatment at 100 mg/kg. Platelet distribution width and platelet large-cell ratio decreased, while plateletcrit and mean platelet volume remained normal. The most pronounced recovery occurred at 50–100 mg/kg. These findings suggest that PHALE has immunoprotective and hematoprotective potential in this experimental model of PHZ-induced anemia and associated immune alterations. The study provides preliminary preclinical evidence supporting further investigation of the extract’s potential therapeutic applications.
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