Phytochemical Screening and in vivo Immunosuppressive, Antioxidant and Anti-hemolytic Activities of Zea mays Silk Aqueous Extract

Introduction: The use of plants in traditional medicine goes back to antiquity and still represents an essential part of the Moroccan health care system due to their effectiveness. Although Zea mays (ZM) silks are considered as waste products, they are consumed for their medicinal properties. They are rich in bioactive components, giving them a wide range of uses as remedies. The aim of this study was to evaluate after a phytochemical screening, the effect of ZM silk aqueous extract on humoral immune response, on Neutrophil bactericidal, antioxidants and hemolytic activities. Methods: The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH. Hemagglutination titer assay was used to evaluate the effect on humoral immunity. Hemolytic effect of ZM was evaluated by quantifying hemoglobin rates. The effect on Neutrophil bactericidal activity was assessed using MTT colorimetric assay. Results: The extract exhibited high quantity of saponins and flavones; a high antioxidant activity (IC50: 247,15 vs. control 0,152 mg/ml), a significant (p<0, 05) immunosuppressive effect in vivo on titer values of antibodies (80 times) as well as an antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis. A significant suppression of Neutrophil bactericidal activity of cells treated with 0, 5 and 1g/ml of ZM extract was observed. It also exhibited a significant dose-dependent anti-hemolytic activity with the lowest hemolytic activity was found with the lowest concentrations of the extract. Conclusion: Our results indicate that aqueous extract of ZM silk possess antioxidant, anti-hemolytic activity as well as an immunosuppressive activity by decreasing humoral immune and Neutrophil bactericidal responses.