The fruits have been found to contain phytoconstituents such as steroid glycosides and saponins, fixed oil; vitamin B group; vitamin C; iron salts: saponins and steroidal alkaloids.[1] In Ghana, various parts of the plant have been used either as a haemostatic after childbirth or as a source of saponin for the hemi synthesis of cortisone and sex hormones or for compounding sedatives, diuretics or digestive tonics.[1] Its leaves have been used in the treatment of abdominal pain, whitlow and whooping cough; its fruits are used in the treatment of anemia, inducing lactation, and treatment of wounds and snakebites.[1] In most traditional Ghanaian homes, it has become customary to give to mothers, after childbirth, diets containing fruits with the intention of enhancing vitality and reversing conditions of anemia. RBCs and Hb concentration above baseline values within 24 days. Conclusion: extract showed a concentration-dependent immunostimulant and erythropoietic activity. Swartz (family: (4R,5S)-nutlin carboxylic acid Solanaceae) commonly known as turkey berry has been called by several local names such as: (Ewe), (Kwahu), (Asante Twi), and (Ga-Adamgbe). This plant is found in tropical Africa, Asia and South America. The fruits have been found to contain phytoconstituents such as steroid glycosides and saponins, fixed oil; vitamin B group; vitamin C; iron salts: saponins and steroidal alkaloids.[1] In Ghana, various parts of the plant have been used either as a haemostatic after childbirth or as a source of saponin for the hemi synthesis of cortisone and sex hormones or for compounding sedatives, diuretics or digestive tonics.[1] Its leaves have been used in the treatment of abdominal pain, whitlow and whooping cough; its fruits are used in the treatment of anemia, inducing lactation, and treatment of wounds and snakebites.[1] In most traditional Ghanaian homes, it has become customary to give to mothers, after childbirth, diets containing fruits with the intention of enhancing vitality and reversing conditions of anemia. Though undocumented, it is generally observed that mothers who eat these fruits show enhanced health status. To date there is little scientific evidence to support the traditional use of in the management of anemia and immunodeficiency and the possible mechanisms involved. The study of agents that modulate the immune system to alleviate certain diseases of immunodeficiency has gained interest. A number of plant materials traditionally administered to mothers after childbirth to overcome the weakness and stress of pregnancy and childbirth, such as dry fruit like almond (and and dried rhizome of (Fam. Solanaceae), obtained from the local market at Ayigya, Kumasi, were authenticated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology C Ghana. A voucher specimen GHRP-6 Acetate with number KNUST/HM1/L035 was deposited at the Faculty of Pharmacy’s Herbarium, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. Preparation of extract Six hundred g of fresh fruits and (4R,5S)-nutlin carboxylic acid 600 ml of distilled water was blended and the homogenous mixture obtained filtered. The filtrate (700 ml) was then evaporated to dryness on a water bath. The dried extract obtained (10 g) was stored and labeled as STE or extract; 1.667% yield was obtained. Animals SpragueCDawley rats of either sex (200-215 g) obtained from the animal house of the Department of Pharmacology, KNUST were (4R,5S)-nutlin carboxylic acid used. The animals were housed in well-ventilated cages under normal temperature, humidity and light, and fed on normal rat chow (obtained from the animal house) and water extract (STE) respectively daily). The RBC number and hemoglobin concentration were determined using the CELL-DYN 1800 auto analyzer every three days for 24 days. Statistical analysis GraphPad Prism Version 5.0 for Windows (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA) was used for all statistical analyses. Data are presented as mean SEM and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s multiple Comparison test (post test); 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analyses. The graphs were plotted using Sigma Plot for Windows Version 11.0 (Systat Software Inc., Germany). RESULTS Immunostimulatory activity The DTH response increased very significantly in groups treated with Levamisole ( 0.01), and 75 (4R,5S)-nutlin carboxylic acid and 150 mg/kg/day ( 0.001) relative to the no treatment group (control). The DTH response for the dexamethasone-treated group decreased significantly ( 0.05) [Table 1]. Levamisole and treatment resulted in significant increases ( 0.001) in the HA titer and WBC count relative to the dexamethasone and no treatment groups [Table 1]. A differential count performed indicated an increase in the neutrophil proportion of the total count in the -treated groups (75 and 150 mg/kg/day) Table 1 Details of the results on delayed type hypersensitivity response, hemagglutinating antibody titer, and white blood cells count Open in a separate window Erythropoietic effect After induction of anemia, the number of RBCs and the hemoglobin concentration decreased by 58.73% and 64.98% respectively. There was no significant increase ( 0.05) in (4R,5S)-nutlin carboxylic acid the number of RBCs and hemoglobin concentration of the anemic and untreated rats during the experimental period. Treatment of PHZ-induced anemic rats with the reference hematinic (0.15 ml/kg), and (37.5-150 mg/kg) resulted in significant increase ( 0.001) in both, the number of RBCs and hemoglobin concentration as compared to the untreated PHZ-induced anemic rats [Figures ?[Figures11 and ?and2].2]. Difference between treatment groups was however insignificant ( .
