Phoenix dactylifera seed oil enhanced cellular and humoral immune response in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed Wistar rats

Immunosuppression is a prominent critical feature associated with certain genetic disorders, chronic infections, and conventional chemotherapeutics employed in the treatment of diverse pathological conditions. The scrutiny for bioactive principles with immunostimulatory potential from natural sources becomes crucial. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory role of Phoenix dactylifera seed oil (PDSO) in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed Wistar rats. Essential oil from the date pit was obtained via steam-distillation technique. Cellular and humoral immunity were measured respectively using delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) and hemagglutination reaction (HR), while quantitation of serum immunoglobulin was carried out using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The experimental rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups each (n = 4) for DTHR, and (n = 8) for HR assays. Immunosuppression was induced in the animals using cyclophosphamide and PDSO treatment was administered. PDSO significantly (P<0.05) promoted delayed type hypersensitivity response (DTHR), increased antibody titres and immunoglobulin levels in the experimental rats in a dose-related manner. The magnitude of immune stimulation evoked by the essential oil at 250 µl/kg.bw compared favourably with that exhibited by the positive control. Findings from this study showcased P. dactylifera seed oil as a promising immunostimulatory drug candidate with potential application in immunosuppressive conditions.