Immunomodulatory effects of Hydromethanolic Extract of Beta vulgaris Lon White Blood Cell Profile and Selected Immunoglobulins in Male Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of hydromethanolic extract of Beta vulgaris L. (HMEBV) on total white blood cell (WBC) count, differential WBC count, total lymphocyte count, and selected immunoglobulin levels in male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into nine groups, receiving various treatments: HMEBV at doses of 150, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight (BW); levamisole (40 mg/kg BW); cyclophosphamide (30 mg/kg BW); and combinations of HMEBV with cyclophosphamide. Administration of 40 mg/kg BW levamisole significantly (p<0.05) increased total WBC and lymphocyte counts compared to control. Cyclophosphamide (30 mg/kg BW) led to significant reductions in total WBC count, neutrophil percentage, and lymphocyte count. HMEBV at 150 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg BW showed no significant changes in hematological parameters. However, 250 mg/kg BW HMEBV significantly (p<0.05) elevated total WBC count, monocyte percentage, and lymphocyte count. Combination treatments of cyclophosphamide with 150 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg BW HMEBV resulted in significant decreases in total WBC and lymphocyte counts. Notably, the combination of 250 mg/kg BW HMEBV with cyclophosphamide, while showing a decrease relative to control, significantly increased total WBC and lymphocyte counts compared to cyclophosphamide-only treatment. Regarding immunoglobulins, levamisole significantly increased IgA and IgM levels. Cyclophosphamide reduced IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. HMEBV at 150 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg BW had no significant effect on immunoglobulin levels, whereas 250 mg/kg BW HMEBV significantly elevated IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. The combination of 250 mg/kg BW HMEBV with cyclophosphamide significantly increased IgG and IgM levels compared to both control and cyclophosphamide groups, with no effect on IgA. The 150 mg/kg combination group showed a significant increase in IgM and a decrease in IgG relative to control, with no significant effect on IgA. The 500 mg/kg combination group showed a significant decrease in IgA and IgG, but a significant increase in IgM compared to cyclophosphamide. These findings suggest that HMEBV, particularly at 250 mg/kg BW, exhibits immunostimulatory properties by enhancing leukocyte profiles and immunoglobulin levels, and may partially mitigate cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression