The effect of ethanolic seed extract of <i>Cucurbita maxima</i> on immunity in wistar rats

Abstract

Twenty (20) adult female wistar rats were used to study the possible effects of ethanolic seed extract of Cucurbita maxima on immunity. The rats were divided randomly into four groups (A,B,C and D) with five rats in each group. Group A, served as control while group B, C and D served as the experimental groups. The experimental groups received daily oral doses of 200mg, 400mg and 800mg per kg of body weight of the extract respectively for a period of three weeks. Estimation of red blood cells, packed cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, total white blood cells and differentials, serum total proteins, albumin, and globulin were carried out. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and the results were expressed as Mean ± SEM and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The results revealed significant decrease in total white blood cells and differentials as well as serum total proteins and globulins. It was concluded that the observed changes in these haematological and biochemical parameters indicate that Cucurbita maxima may have the potential to compromise immunity.

Keywords: Cucurbita maxima, lymphocyte, globulin, Plasma proteins, Immunity