Dual Immune Action of Leptadenia pyrotechnica Extract: Innate Immunity Suppression and Adaptive Immunity Activation in Rats

Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne., a plant found predominantly in desert regions of Saudi Arabia, has demonstrated several therapeutic properties, including effects on the immune system. This study investigates how the aqueous extract of L. pyrotechnica affects immune function and body weight in rats. To date, there have been no published studies on the impact of L. pyrotechnica aqueous extract on immune responses and body weight. In this study, 72 adult Wistar albino rats were assigned to groups of 12 (with equal numbers of males and females) to evaluate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Each group was given either a low dose (LD, 20 g/kg body weight) or a high dose (HD, 40 g/kg body weight) of the L. pyrotechnica aqueous extract, while the control group was administered 3 ml of water daily over 21 days. For the innate immune response, neutrophil adhesion and macrophage phagocytic activity were assessed, while adaptive immunity was evaluated through measurement of hemagglutinating antibody titers and the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. The results indicated that the L. pyrotechnica-treated groups experienced significant reductions in body weight and reduced food and water intake. The LD group exhibited a decline in carbon clearance, phagocytic activity, and neutrophil adhesion, but showed an increase in hemagglutinating antibody titers and a heightened DTH reaction. In conclusion, the 21-day administration of L. pyrotechnica aqueous extract resulted in a reduction in body weight, enhancement of adaptive immune responses, and suppression of innate immune function.