THE IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF A BIHERBAL FORMULATION CONSISTING OF Bryophyllum pinnatum AND Ocimum gratissimum ON WISTAR ALBINO RATS

The study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of a biherbal formulation consisting of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum in Wistar albino rats. The plants were collected, air-dried, powdered, and extracted with methanol. Twenty-five healthy rats were divided into five groups: control, two extract-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), a positive control (Vitamin C 50 mg/kg), and a negative control (Cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for seven days prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Immunomodulatory activity was assessed using delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), hemagglutination antibody titer, total and differential leukocyte counts, CD4 T-cell count, and organ weight indices. Results showed that the biherbal formulation significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weight, thymus and spleen indices, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils compared to the control. Serum protein, hemoglobin, and albumin
globulin ratio were also elevated, while Cyclophosphamide markedly reduced these parameters. The extract enhanced CD4⁺ T-cell and B-cell populations, indicating stimulation of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Additionally, the formulation reduced paw edema in DTH assay, demonstrating anti-inflammatory potential. The methanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum possesses potent immunomodulatory properties, acting as both an immunostimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting its traditional use and suggest that the formulation may serve as a natural, affordable alternative for immune enhancement and regulation