Immunomodulatory Activity of L. (Cucurbitaceae) Leaf Diethyl Ether and Methanol Extracts on -Infected Mice and LPS-Induced Phagocytic Activities of Macrophages and Neutrophils.

Infections due to strains constitute one of the major health problems in humans, particularly in Africa. The use of traditional herbs has proven effective in reducing the incidence of infection in some high-risk groups. To assess the effects of leaf extracts that influence blood infection, an study of the effect on macrophages and neutrophils and treatment of mouse model of infection was done. Methanol and diethyl ether extracts were concerned by this study. study was to assess the effects of extracts on phagocytosis, and related intracellular killing mechanisms of macrophages were examined. Later, mobilization of leukocytes and production of antibodies against were measured followed by quantitating cultures evaluation of the blood infection of orally inoculated mice with . Ingestion or attachment of carbon particles, production of superoxide anion, nitric oxide, and that of lysosomal acid phosphatase by macrophages and neutrophils were significantly increased by methanol and diethyl extracts at concentrations ranging from 40 g/ml to 640 g/ml. Antibody titer and mobilization of leukocytes, particularly lymphocytes against , were highly increased by both methanol and diethyl extracts at concentrations of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. At the same time, the extracts have reduced the rate of blood colonization in mice inoculated with 10 CFU of for 28 days. Reduction in blood colonization or infection rates was similar for the levamisole mice group. The results of this study should prove that the leaves of are useful for the treatment of infections by strains and for the assessment of drugs for therapeutic intervention.