Extracts of some spices have been reported to play a contributory role in enhancing immune function. We
evaluated and compared the effect(s) of single and combined oral administration of fresh aqueous onion
(Allium Cepa
) and
garlic
(Allium sativum
) extracts at different concentrations on some immunological determinants in rats. CD
4 cells of the rats
were estimated using Partec flow cytometric technique, while total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts were
estimated using the Sysmsex® automated haematology analyzing technique. Our findings revealed that, CD4 and total WBC
counts were significantly increased (P≤0.05) in a dose-dependent manner in both onion (250mg/Kg/d: 349±11cell/ul and
2.75±0.15X10
3cell/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 389±10cells/μl and 3.05±0.05 X10
3cell/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 600±11cell/μl and
3.25±0.05X10
3cells/l) and garlic (250mg/Kg/d: 410±10cell/ul and 2.85±0.15X10
3cell/l; 500mg/Kg/d: 494±32cells/μl and
3.30±0.10 X10
3cell/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 684±11cell/μl and 3.55±0.05X10
3cells/l) treated rats when compared to the zero control
(200±11cells/μl and 1.55±0.05X10
3cells/l, respectively). Extract of garlic at 750mg/Kg/d had significantly increased the
CD4 cells and total white cell count when compared to other concentrations (P≤0.05). However, no significant effect was
observed on these parameters when extracts were combined (250mg/Kg/d: 252±21cell/μl and 1.80±0.10X10
3cells/l;
500mg/Kg/d: 315±21cells/ul and 2.10±0.10X10
3cells/l; 750mg/Kg/d: 368±10cells/μl and 2.35±0.05X10
3cells/l,
respectively), the differential WBC count showed a significant increase in the proportion of cell types (lymphocytes,
neutophils and monocytes) (P≤0.05). The results from this study revealed the immune boosting capabilities of
Allium cepa
and
Allium sativum, but underscored their synergistic activities.
