Effect of Amaranthus hybridus on the immunity of laboratory white albino rats

Abstract

This study determined the role of A. hybrids in boosting the immunity of female albino rats in the laboratory. They were randomly assigned to four groups, A to D and followed for 16 weeks during which groups A to C had their immunity suppressed and thereafter, group A given raw vegetable while group B cooked. The rats were bled four times and levels of three immune indicators determined (CD3%, CD+4 and CD+8 counts). Results indicated that the positive control (group C) was worse off than the groups who were given vegetables after suppressing immunity (groups A and B) in terms of CD+4/CD+8 ratio. There was, however no, significant difference (p>0.05) within the groups who were given raw or cooked vegetable. The negative control group (D) was the best performing group as per this indicator.