Rosa canina L. fruit hydro-alcoholic extract effects on some immunological and biochemical parameters in rats

Introduction: This research investigates the possible potential of Rosa canina (RC) as an immunomodulator in rats and its effects on some biochemical parameters. Methods: In this experiment, 45 male Wistar rats were obtained and divided into three groups (n = 15). These groups received normal saline (10 mg/kg), RC fruit extract (250 mg/kg) and RC fruit extract (500 mg/kg) as oral gavages every day for a period of four weeks, respectively. After obtaining blood samples (at the end of each week), differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, phagocyte activity (number), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP) albumin and globulins levels of samples were obtained. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the serum were determined only in day 28 of study. The radical scavenger activity (RSA) of the RC extract was measured spectrophotometrically. Results: the gamma globulin level, neutrophil and monocyte counts and phagocyte activity increased significantly in comparison with the normal saline group. ALT, AST and ALP had not significantly differences in compared to control group. RC extract significantly increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and also decreased GSH levels in comparing to control group in day 28. Conclusion: the data suggest that the RC extract has been used in traditional medicine might have immunomodulatory effects.