Effect of Withania somnifera Extracts on Some Selective Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Parameters in Guinea Pigs Experimental Infected with E. coli

Fifty 1-2-month-old Guinea pigs were divided into 5 equal groups, 10 each. Control (Gp1) did receive neither viable bacteria nor treatment. Each animal from the other groups (Gp2–5) was challenged with (1-2 × 108) viable E. coli in 200？μL normal saline (0.9%) through IP route. GP2 infected group was treated with 200？μL saline IP and kept as positive control group. Gp3-4 are infected and treated with Withania somnifera (ethanol root extract) with doses 50 and 100？mg/kg. BW, respectively. Gp5 infected treated group was treated with cefoperazone antibiotic at dose 35？mg/Kg BW. The treatment by drug or the extracted medicinal plant was started 72？h after infection for 7 successive days. Serum and whole blood sample were collected from all groups 14 days after treatment to evaluate some hematological and biochemical changes as well as immunomodulatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Oral treatment of the plant extract caused significant benefit results in infected Guinea pig appeared in the correction of some hematological and biochemical parameters also try to suppressed inflammatory cytokine response represent in TNF-α. It could be concluded that W. somnifera extract has potent antibacterial activity, and this appears in the correction with hematological, biochemical, and immunological results. 1. Introduction In the last few years, there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine, and these drugs are gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects. Many traditional medicines in use are derived from medicinal plants, minerals, and organic matter [1]. Research work on medicinal plants and exchange of information obtained will go a long way in scientific exploration of medicinal plants for the benefit of man and is likely to decrease dependence on imported drugs [2]. The chemical diversity, structural complexity, lack of substantial toxic effects, and broad spectrum of antiviral and antibacterial activity of natural products make them ideal candidates for new therapeutics [3]. Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant, a small, woody shrub 60–200？cm high, in the Solanaceae family, which is described under many commen names such as Ginseng and Ashwagandha. It can be found growing in Africa, the Mediterranean, and India. The roots are the main portions of the plant used therapeutically [4, 5]. Withanolides are the major active constituents of Withania somnifera that are isolated from its root and leaves. Recently, the plant was investigated to be