Archive | 2021
Effect of oral administration of the fresh juice of Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) young shoots on enumeration of bone marrow cells, platelets, splenocyte and phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages of rats
Abstract
Abstract Background Fresh juice of young shoots of Bamboo is a traditionally acclaimed remedy against immune disorders and febrile illnesses. Though, many other therapeutic activities of Bamboo have been investigated, the immunomodulatory activity align with the traditional claim is yet to be scientifically validated. Purpose The present study investigates the effect of fresh juice of Bambusa vulgaris (FJBV) young shoots, the Sri Lankan variety, on selected immune responses of rats, accompanied by the toxicological and phytochemical profiles. Method Wistar rats (N=6/group) were orally administered with 3 doses of FJBV - low dose (LD) 0.25ml/200g BW, human equivalent dose (HED) 0.5ml/200g BW and high dose (HD) 1ml/200g BW - once daily for 2 consecutive days according to the traditional treatment practice. Distilled water (DW) and Cyclophosphamide (2mg/200g BW) served as the negative and positive controls, respectively. The effect of FJBV on immune cell enumeration, cytokine levels, and phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages and serum antioxidant capacities were investigated using standard procedures. Further, the toxicity of FJBV was investigated to corroborate the safety of oral consumption. Chemical profile was also investigated qualitatively. Results Oral treatment of FJBV for two consecutive days exhibited significant alterations in immune cell counts, phagocytic activity and serum antioxidant levels. Rat BM counts were significantly reduced by both HED and HD (p 0.05). However, splenocyte (SC) counts were significantly increased by the HD (p The phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was significantly lowered by HED and HD (p Conclusion : The present study provides affirmation of the traditional claim of the FJBV as an immunomodulatory preparation. Further studies are warranted to explicate the cytotoxic effect of FJBV, which could be a starting material for immunosuppressive drug development.