Extraction and Characterization of Chick PEA (Cicer arietinum) Extract with Immunostimulant Activity in BALB/C MICE

Traditional plant medicines are used for a range of cancer conditions. The chickpea is highly proteinaceous and consumed as a staple in many parts of the world. An evaluation of chemoprotective and immunomodulatory activities of Cicer arietinum (CE) in cisplatin-induced immunosuppressed mice was here performed. Cisplatin was given at 100mg/kg, intraperitoneally, and after induction of immunosuppression mice were treated with Cicer arietinum (0.5 mg/dose/animal/IP) for a period of 10-day. The influence of the extract on lymphoid organ weight, bone marrow cellularity, alpha esterase activity and on enzyme levels such as (SGOT, SGPT, Urea, Creatinine was assessed to identify any chemoprotective influence. Administration of CE to cisplatin-treated mice alleviated the drastic reduction in bone marrow cellularity and α- esterase positive cells seen with cisplatin. Thus myelosuppression was reversed or inhibited. Cisplatin bids to DNA and causes damage resulting in chromosome breaks, micronucleus formation and cell death. CE is comprised of numerous middle-chain aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, in addition to compounds like 7-hydroxy-1-methoxy-6-methylanthraquinone, cyclohexadecane (CAS) and 6-(amino methyl)-2-naphthol. These latter are thought to contribute to the characteristic aroma of C. arietimnum. In conclusion, administration of CE in cisplatin-treated mice, boosted bone marrow cellularity and increased α- esterase positive cells, thus reversing myelosupproession.