Effect of aqueous root extract of <i>Eragrostis tremula</i> on phagocytic function of macrophages and humoral immune response in Wistar albino rats

Eragrostis tremula is traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, including antiemetic and aphrodisiac applications, yet scientific evidence on its immunomodulatory effects remains scarce. This study evaluated the impact of its aqueous root extract on phagocytic function and humoral immune response in Wistar albino rats. Fifteen healthy rats were randomly assigned to five groups and administered 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of the extract orally for 21 days. Phagocytic activity was assessed using the carbon clearance assay, and humoral immune r e s p o n s e w a s e v a l u a t e d t h r o u g h haemagglutination titers against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Body weight and organ weight indices were also measured. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences across treatment and control groups in any of the evaluated parameters, including phagocytic index, carbon particle clearance, antibody titers, or body and organ weights. The findings indicate that the aqueous root extract of E. tremula does not significantly enhance either phagocytic or humoral immune responses at the tested doses. This suggests that the extract lacks notable immunostimulatory properties under the conditions of this study.