Determination of Haematological Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Cadaba Farinosa in Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Haematological parameters are frequently used to evaluate functional characteristics of blood and blood forming organs. Assessments of these parameters are not limited to established diagnosis of deleterious diseases nor prognosis, but also relating the blood functions of plant extracts. Plant extracts are alternative remedies in the managements of blood related disorders in developing countries including anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Anti-sickling property modelling entities that inhibit and reverse sequence of pathological processes leading to sickling was reported in Fagara zanthoxyloides, Khaya senegalensis and Garlic, possessing similar phytochemicals as Cadaba farinosa forsk is a rich natural source of alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids with antioxidant properties against oxidative damage. It's possess antithrombotic and vasoprotective properties. Bioflavonoids of Cadaba farinosa forsk demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against panel of cancerous cells. However, a possible haematological effect of Cadaba farinosa forsk is unevaluated. This study investigated effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf extracts of the plant. Twelve adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of three rats (n=30). Group 1served as negative control. Extract administered to groups (2, 3 and 4) following 28 days consecutively at dose levels 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, showed no significant change in RBC count compared with control group (p>0.05). PCV, PLT and HGB were not significant (P>0.05). However, there was significant elevation of WBC at 300mg/kg (p=0.02, 4.28±2.38) (p<0.05). Our finding also revealed statistically significant difference at 200 and 300mg/kg of MCHC (304.50±3.54, 303.00±5.66) compared to control (P<0.05). Hence, chronic toxicity studies are needed to further support the use of this plant for treatments.