Antilymphocytic and immunosuppressive effects of Lantana camara leaves in rats

Once daily administration of Lantana camara leaves juice at different dose levels (60, 300, 600 and 1500 mg/kg/day) for 14 days in rats resulted in alterations in various haemato- and biochemical parameters. Significant increase in blood urea nitrogen was observed with the doses of 600 and 1500 mg while significant increase in the relative weights of adrenals was observed at all the four dose levels. Total proteins, globulins, absolute lymphocyte count and per cent lymphocyte count were significantly decreased with 60, 600 and 1500 mg doses while a significant hypoglycemic effect was observed with 1500 mg only. Rats treated with 1500 mg dose did not exhibit any increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities or the alterations in relative kidney and liver weights. In another set of experiment, once daily oral administration of 1500 mg/kg/day for 14 days significantly inhibited the granulomatous tissue formation in rats and this effect was comparable to that of cyclophosphamide (10 mg/kg/day).