The Effects of (Nothopanax scutellarium Merr) Leaf Extract on Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts in Male Mice
Relin Yesika *
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Bengkulu, Jl. WR. Supratman, Kandang Limun, Muara Bangkahulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia.
Elsa Marsellinda
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, Jl. Raya ByPass Km 15, Aie Pacah, Koto Tangah, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Eka Desnita
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, Jl. Raya ByPass Km 15, Aie Pacah, Koto Tangah, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Elisa Ayudia
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, Jl. Raya ByPass Km 15, Aie Pacah, Koto Tangah, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Maulida Rahma
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, Jl. Raya ByPass Km 15, Aie Pacah, Koto Tangah, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Rihhadatul ‘Aisy
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, Jl. Raya ByPass Km 15, Aie Pacah, Koto Tangah, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Growing awareness of the importance of maintaining the immune system has increased interest in medicinal plants as potential sources of immunomodulatory agents. Nothopanax scutellarium Merr. has a long history of traditional medicinal use and contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of mangkokan leaf extract by assessing total and differential leukocyte counts in mice with ovalbumin-induced hypersensitivity.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Departments of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, from June to August 2023.
Methodology: A post-test-only control-group design was used with 24 healthy male mice (Mus musculus), which were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 6). Following the induction of hypersensitivity with ovalbumin, the mice received either 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the negative-control treatment or mangkokan leaf extract orally at doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight once daily for seven consecutive days. Total and differential leukocyte counts were determined using standard haematological methods. Total leukocyte counts were analysed using one-way ANOVA, whereas differential leukocyte counts were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc comparisons.
Results: Mangkokan leaf extract significantly increased total leukocyte counts across the dose groups compared with the negative control (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Differential leukocyte analysis showed no significant differences in the percentages of basophils, eosinophils, band neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, or lymphocytes (p > 0.05). However, monocyte percentages differed significantly among the groups (p = 0.002), with the lowest percentage observed in the 100 mg/kg body weight group.
Conclusion: Mangkokan leaf extract increased total leukocyte counts and altered circulating monocyte percentages, suggesting immunomodulatory activity under the conditions of this study.
Keywords: Nothopanax scutellarium, Polyscias scutellaria, mangkokan leaf extract, immunomodulatory activity, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, monocytes, ovalbumin-induced hypersensitivity, phytochemical screening, male mice.