Immunostimulating effect of Uncaria tomentosa in immunosuppressed rats with the use of cyclophosphamide

Núñez-Reyna D.P.; Huamán-Dávila A.M.; Llaque-Chávarri F.; Huamán-Saavedra J.J.; Castillo-Soto W.L. · Revista Electronica de Veterinaria (2023)

Resumen

Uncaria tomentosa (UT), more commonly known as cat’s claw, is a medicinal plant that contains immunostimulating properties due to its alkaloid components, it also represents a low-cost treatment alternative. The present investigation’s objective was to evaluate the immunostimulating effect of this plant in 29 laboratory rats, which were divided into 4 different treatments. T1 was the control group that only received saline solution; T2 was administered cyclophosphamide at two doses of 50mg/kg to immunosuppress the rats; meanwhile, T3 and T4 received cat's claw tincture at a dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg, respectively. The red blood cell values showed no significant changes between the treatments applied. However, with the white blood cells values, it was observed that the specimens of groups T3 and T4 presented an elevation in the parameters of lymphocytes and neutrophils. In addition, the cellularity was visualized from samples from the spleen, bone marrow and thymus; it was observed that the T4 treatment was the most effective for the spleen and bone marrow. However, the 100mg / kg dose (T3) had better result with respect to the thymus. It is concluded that Uncaria tomentosa has no effect on the erythrocytes, but it is capable of raising leukocyte values, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego