Benedict Bolakponumigha Iwetan¹, Godfrey Rume Kweki² , Divine A Onobrudu², Uzuegbu Ugochukwu², Ohwokevwo Oghenenyore Andy³, Lawrence Oberhiri Ewhre¹, Atuboyedia Wolfe Obianime⁴

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the hepatorenal protective properties of Justicia carnea (Acanthaceae) aqueous leaf extract against Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC)-induced immunotoxicity in mice.

Method: Thirty-six (36) male mice were randomly selected into six groups of six mice each. Group I (VEH control) was administered distilled water only, while Groups II – VI mice were immunized intraperitoneally with SRBC (0.2 mL/kg) on days 1 and 5. In addition, Groups III – V were given 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg of JC aqueous extract, respectively and Levamisole (LEV; 7.5 mg/kg) was administered to mice in Group VI. From days 3 to 9, the mice received daily oral doses of their assigned treatment agents. On day 10, the animals were sacrificed, and blood, liver, and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical analysis.

Result: There were significant changes in Aspartate Transferase (AST), Alanine Transferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Albumin (ALB) levels of SRBC-induced mice (p < 0.05), which were reversed almost to the baseline value of VEH group. However, at JC 250 and 500 mg/kg, there was a significant increase in total protein (TP) level compared to VEH, LEV and SRBC groups (p < 0.05). Aqueous JC extract significantly reduced the increased urea concentration induced by SRBC, though not to baseline, compared to LEV (p < 0.05). Also, the extract significantly altered activities of oxidative enzymes such as aldehyde oxidase (AO), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and peroxidase (PO) compared to control (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Justicia carnea significantly restores liver and kidney functions in mice treated with SRBCs, comparable to levamisole. These findings unveil the potential of J. carnea leaf extract as an adjuvant in vaccine therapy