Phytochemical screening and CD4 cell count of aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum on albino rats

Introduction: Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum are used in traditional medicine to treat cancers, HIV, diabetes, and other diseases. These herbs are claimed to possess immune-modulatory properties. CD4 cells are immune cells that fight infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and other pathogenic organisms.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents of Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum extracts and to evaluate the immune-boosting effect of the extracts on CD4 cell counts in albino rats.

Methods: The phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts of powdered ginger rhizome and garlic bulbs was investigated using standard procedures. The CD4 cell count was evaluated after administering oral doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of each aqueous extract to the rats for 28 days. Changes in the body weights of the experimental animals were monitored weekly using an analytical weighing balance. The animals were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia on day 29, and blood samples from each animal were collected from the aorta into EDTA bottles. The samples were analysed for CD4 cell levels using a flow cytometer. 

Results: The phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins in Z. officinale crude extract. Allium sativum extract contains alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. The 100 and 200 mg/kg oral doses of the aqueous extracts of ginger and garlic showed increases in CD4 cell levels of 57.2 and 76.0 cells/µL and 60.5 and 62.0 cells/µL, respectively, after treatment with extracts. The treated animals witnessed an increase in body weight compared to the control.

Conclusion: The phytochemicals in Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum extracts could be responsible for the increased CD4 cell count of albino rats.