EFFECTS OF pennisetum purpureum LEAF EXTRACT ON CYTOKINE AND IMMUNE CELL RESPONSES IN CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE-INDUCED IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN RATS

EZEOHA, CHIDUBEM ERNEST (2026) EFFECTS OF pennisetum purpureum LEAF EXTRACT ON CYTOKINE AND IMMUNE CELL RESPONSES IN CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE-INDUCED IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN RATS. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU,.

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Abstract

The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of Pennisetum purpureum in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression Wistar albino rats. Thirty-five male rats were assigned into seven groups and treated with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of the extract, Levamisole, or appropriate controls for 14 days. Immunological parameters including serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and CD4⁺ T-cell counts were assessed. Phytochemical constituents were identified by GC-MS, while molecular docking and SwissADME analyses were performed to evaluate the binding affinity and pharmacokinetic properties of the identified compounds.Cyclophosphamide significantly increased IL-6 while reducing IgM and CD4⁺ T-cell counts (p < 0.05). Treatment with Pennisetum purpureum extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced IL-6 and restored IgM and CD4⁺ T-cell levels, with the 400 mg/kg dose producing effects comparable to the normal control and the reference drug, Levamisole. GC-MS identified fifteen bioactive compounds, of which eight demonstrated stronger binding affinities to the IgM target than Levamisole. Most compounds also exhibited favourable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic profiles.The findings demonstrate that the ethanolic leaf extract of Pennisetum purpureum possesses significant dose-dependent immunomodulatory activity, with phytosterols likely contributing to its therapeutic effects. These results support the plant's potential as a source of novel immunomodulatory agents and warrant further isolation, mechanistic, and toxicological studies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QD Chemistry
Divisions:	Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies
Depositing User:	Nnenna Ayo
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2026 11:57
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2026 11:57
URI:	http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6147

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