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The pathophysiology of the inflammatory process reveals intricate signaling which includes the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα pathways that could serve as drug targets.

This study determined the effect of the aqueous extract of Gongronema latifolium (AEGL) leaves on the expression of IFNγ, IL-10, CD3, and CD56 in rabbits.

ELISA tests were performed to determine the effect of the AEGL on the expression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFNγ), an anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and CD3 and CD56 cell surface markers in rabbits. Twenty cross-bred male rabbits with an average weight range of 1.0 - 1.5 kg were selected. The rabbits were separated into four groups of four rabbits each treated as follows: Grp1 is the untreated control; Grp2 is the treated control; and Grp3, Grp4, and Grp5 were treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of AEGL respectively for 28 days.

The AEGL showed its greatest inhibitory effect in Group 4 on IL-10 (118.5 pg/ml), and IFNγ (332 pg/ml) on days 14 and 21 respectively. AEGL also showed the highest inhibition of CD3 expression on days 14 and 21 (0 pg/ml) in Group 3; and CD56 expression on day 21 (630.5 pg/ml) in Group 4.

AEGL showed exhibited strong T cell mediated anti- inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity in test rabbits within the 28-day period which can be confirmed by cell based assays. Specifically at 400 mg/kg, AEGL exhibited the greatest anti-inflammatory activity which is suggestive of its maximum effective dose.