EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF AQUOEUS LEAVES EXTRACT OF Abrus precatorius ON SERUM LEVEL OF INTERFERON GAMMA IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of aqueous leaves extracts of Abrus precatorius on IFN-γ in female Wistar rats. A Total of 20 Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly grouped into four groups of 5 rats each, Group I received 10 ml of normal saline, Group II-IV received different doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kgbw) of the extract orally, respectively for 14 days. Blood samples were collected in plain container and processed to obtain a serum. Serum levels of IFN-γ were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean serum level for Group I, II, III and IV are 60.37 pg/mL, 84.49 pg/mL, 118.75 pg/mL and 84.82 pg/mL respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean serum level of IFN-γ across the different groups (p<0.0001). There was a significant increase in serum level of IFN-γ in group treated with medium dose of the extract compared with normal control group (p<0.001). This indicates its potential pro-inflammatory activity. Further investigations should be conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which the aqueous leaves extracts of Abrus precatorius exerts its potential pro-inflammatory effects.