Enhancement of the Nonspecific Immune System by Extracts of Asparagus africanus and Caesalpinia volkensii

Medicinal plants are continuously being investigated on their ability to enhance the immune functions. In this study, aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Asparagus. africanus root and Caesalpinia. volkensii leaves were evaluated on their ability to enhance some immune functions in Swiss mice and New Zealand rabbits. The extracts were administered subcutaneously. The extracts were observed to cause a rise in total WBCs counts as well increase the population of neutrophils in peripheral circulation. The extracts were also observed to decrease the time taken by the rabbit immune system to clear colloidal carbon from its bloodstream. These extracts are therefore effective in improving immune functions in laboratory animals. This may probably explain their use in traditional medicinal practices.