ABSTRACT
Jatropha curcas is a multiple purpose plant with potential for biodiesel production and medicinal uses. It has been used for treatment of a wide spectrum of ailments related to skin, cancer, digestive, respiratory and infectious diseases. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Jatropha curcas show a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, hepatoprotective, analgesic and abortifacient effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas leaf on white blood cell (WBC) count in rats. Rats were orally administered with varying doses of the extract, including 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, and their WBC counts were monitored. Results revealed that rats fed with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract experienced a slight increase in WBC And Lymphocyte counts, suggesting a potential immunostimulatory effect. In contrast, rats administered with 300 mg/kg extract exhibited a decrease in WBC and Lymphocyte counts, indicating a possible immunosuppressive effect. These findings highlight the dose-dependent effect of Jatropha curcas leaf extract on WBC count and its potential implications for immune modulation.
