Pharmacological Role of Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew in Preventing Cyclophosphamide-induced Myelosuppression and Modulating Innate and Adaptive Immune Response

BACKGROUND: Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew is reported to be practiced in the traditional system of medicine for the management of various immunological pathologies. PURPOSE: The current study was designed to evaluate the modulatory effects of C decidua on different immune responses. RESEARCH DESIGN: C decidua was extracted in 70% methanol and the crude extract (Cd.Cr) was analyzed by FTIR and GCMS. In vivo models were employed to assess the actions of Cd.Cr on cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression, innate and adaptive immune responses. RESULTS: GCMS and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids and lipids. Cd.Cr evoked a significant and dose-dependent increase in percent neutrophil adhesion (15.97 ± .81, 27.47 ± .79 and 38.35 ± 1.08) and the phagocytic index (3.1 ± .04, 3.96 ± .06 and 5.28 ± .13) at the doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg. Cd.Cr also potentiated haemagglutinating antibody titre, immunoglobulins and cytokines (interferon-γ and interleukin-2) production for 4 weeks, after exposure to sheep erythrocytes, and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction significantly (P < .05). The restoration of hematological profile and antioxidant enzyme activities, by Cd.Cr, indicated the prevention of cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that C decidua holds immunomodulatory activity by thus possesses therapeutic potential for the management of immunological diseases.