Antioxidant and immunostimulating effects of fraction of flavonoids from Cassia absus L. seed in rats

Looking at the necessity of herbal immunostimulants along with antioxidant compounds for future use in ailments that modulate the immune system, the plant Cassia absus L. was explored for possessing such pharmacological properties.The study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of a flavonoid fraction isolated from C. absus seed (FFCA) at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, per oral daily for 21 days) in a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model of rats.The FFCA was administered through an oral route daily to rats for 21 days, followed by the administration of cyclophosphamide (CP) on the 9 th and 16 th days of the study.Blood biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, immunityrelated parameters, and histopathology of the liver and kidney were studied.The cyclophosphamide (CP) at a dose of 100 mg/kg b. wt., on the 9 th and 16 th days of the study, produced a negative effect on the weight of the body, feed intake, hematological profile, immune system, and oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidneys.The normal histological architecture of the liver and kidneys was also altered by CP.Pretreatment of FFCA prevented the alterations in hematology, oxidative stress in the liver and kidneys, and immunity in rats administered with CP.Rats pre-treated with FFCA at a higher dose had fewer histological changes and less lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidneys than CP-treated rats.The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of active phytochemicals in C. absus seed, including flavonoids, which may be responsible for antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.The pharmacological potential of each of the FFCA's active ingredients has to be investigated further to find new bioactive molecules.