Biochemical and Haematological Studies on the Ethanol Leaf Extract of Spondias mombin Linn

Igwe Cu,Okwu Gn,Nwaogu La,Ujowundu Co

doi:10.4172/2161-1009.1000104

Abstract

Spondias mombin Linn (Anacardiaceae) is an edible plant that is ethnopharmacologically used for induction of labour, expulsion of afterbirth, and stabilization of women after childbirth. The effects of ethanol extract of the leaf of S. mombin on hepatic, renal and haematologic function indices of albino rabbits were studied using standard methods. Acute toxicity studies of the extract showed the lethal dose (LD 50 ) to be indeterminate, while the effective (abortifacient) dose (ED 50 ) was 753.96 ±0.10 mg/kg body weight. Intraperitoneal administration of 750 mg/kg body weight of the extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as the serum concentrations of total bilirubin, urea and creatinine, but increased the serum concentrations of total protein, albumin and haemoglobin, as well as the values of white blood cell count, platelet count, and the calculated red cell indices. The results of the study showed that the extract does not have detrimental toxicological effects on the studied organs/tissue function indices. However, it’s observed effect on platelet count calls for further studies.

Highlights

Spondias mombin is a common flowering plant that is commonly called hog plum
In Nigeria, it is known as akika in Yoruba, ijikara in Igbo and tsadar masar in Hausa [1]
They claimed that its high level of cytotoxicity, is indicative of analgesic properties. They concluded that the use of the plant to ease pain during childbirth supports this evidence [7]. It was earlier observed [8] that the infusion of S. mombin leaves is variously used, without any reported collateral effects due to its activity

Summary

Introduction

Spondias mombin is a common flowering plant that is commonly called hog plum. Locally in Nigeria, it is known as akika in Yoruba, ijikara in Igbo and tsadar masar in Hausa [1]. Kramer et al [7] recommended its use for pregnant woman but only after five months of pregnancy They noted that the observed cytotoxic effects of the plant may have some benefits in protecting the foetus from pathogens. They claimed that its high level of cytotoxicity, is indicative of analgesic properties. They concluded that the use of the plant to ease pain during childbirth supports this evidence [7]. It was earlier observed [8] that the infusion of S. mombin leaves is variously used, without any reported collateral effects due to its activity. Apart from the abortifacient effect noted above, Raji et al [9] showed that the aqueous leaf extract of the plant has a dose-dependent antifertility action, but with full recovery achieved within four weeks after cessation of treatment with the extract

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