The Effects of (Nothopanax scutellarium Merr) Leaf Extract on Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts in Male Mice

Abstract

Background: Growing awareness of the importance of maintaining the immune system has increased interest in medicinal plants as potential sources of immunomodulatory agents. Nothopanax scutellarium Merr. has a long history of traditional medicinal use and contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of mangkokan leaf extract by assessing total and differential leukocyte counts in mice with ovalbumin-induced hypersensitivity. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Departments of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Universitas Baiturrahmah, from June to August 2023. Methodology: A post-test-only control-group design was used with 24 healthy male mice (Mus musculus), which were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 6). Following the induction of hypersensitivity with ovalbumin, the mice received either 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the negative-control treatment or mangkokan leaf extract orally at doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight once daily for seven consecutive days. Total and differential leukocyte counts were determined using standard haematological methods. Total leukocyte counts were analysed using one-way ANOVA, whereas differential leukocyte counts were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc comparisons. Results: Mangkokan leaf extract significantly increased total leukocyte counts across the dose groups compared with the negative control (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001). Differential leukocyte analysis showed no significant differences in the percentages of basophils, eosinophils, band neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, or lymphocytes (p > 0.05). However, monocyte percentages differed significantly among the groups (p = 0.002), with the lowest percentage observed in the 100 mg/kg body weight group. Conclusion: Mangkokan leaf extract increased total leukocyte counts and altered circulating monocyte percentages, suggesting immunomodulatory activity under the conditions of this study.