A Pilot Study: The Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Lepidium sativum Seeds on Levels of Immune Cells and Body and Organs Weights in Mice

Abstract

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum, LS) seeds are used in many different parts of the world for different conditions and ills. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to determine the effects of an aqueous LS seeds extract on the immune system and general health in mice. This represents the first research study on the effects of LS seeds in mice. An aqueous extract of ground LS seeds was orally gavaged to young adult male Swiss Albino mice at a low dose (LD, 0.5 ml, 4 mice) and a high dose (HD, 1 ml, 4 mice) daily for 19-21 days, while control mice (2 mice) received saline solution by oral gavage. Whole blood was collected for a differential complete blood count. Body weights were measured every three days, and the liver, kidneys, spleen, and the combined lungs, heart and thymus were harvested and weighed. Results showed that, compared to the control, there were statistically significant increases in the mean white blood cell count and mean spleen weight for the LD group, while for the HD group the increases tended to significance. The mean body weight for the HD group showed clear increases compared to the control. Mean white blood cell types, red blood cell, and platelet counts; mean hemoglobin concentration; mean total body weight gains; and weights of the organs, except for the spleen, were not significantly different for the LD and HD groups compared to the control. Therefore, it may be concluded that the extract leads to some enhancement of the immune system. It is recommended that further research work may be carried on different concentrations of the extract using additional parameters.