Terminalia brownii fresen: Stem bark dichloromethane extract alleviates pyrogallol-induced suppression of innate immune responses in swiss albino mice

Abstract

Terminalia brownii is widely used in folklore medicine and has diverse biological activities. However, its efect on the immune system is yet to be studied. Terefore, our study evaluated the immunomodulatory efect of T. brownii on nonspecifc immunity. Innate immunity is the initial defence phase against pathogens or injuries. Dichloromethane plant extracts were tested on female Swiss albino mice and Wister rats. Te efect of the extract on innate immunity was assessed via total and diferential leukocyte counts, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide production by mouse macrophages. Te 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2)-2, 5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was employed for viability testing. Phytochemical profling was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, while toxicity studies were carried out following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. Our results demonstrated that administration of T. brownii stem bark dichloromethane extract to pyrogallol-immuno compromised mice signifcantly (p < 0.05) increased total and diferential leukocyte counts compared with the control. Te extract showed no adverse efect on the viability of Vero cells and macrophages and signifcantly (p < 0.05) augmented tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nitric oxide production. Hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, octadecanoic acid, squalene, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, all of which stimulate, were identifed in the extract. Te extract did not cause any death or toxic signs in rats. In conclusion, T. brownii dichloromethane extract has an immunoenhancing efect on innate immune responses and is not toxic. Te observed immunoenhancing impact of the extract was attributed to the presence of the identifed compounds. Te results of this study provide crucial ethnopharmacological leads towards the development of novel immunomodulators for managing immune-related disorders.