Abstract
Background/Objective: <i>Achyranthes aspera</i> is an erect flowering medicinal herb use in folkloric medicine. This study aims to examine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of <i>Achyranthes aspera</i> on hematological parameters of Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: 70 adult mice of both sexes with mean weight of 22 ± 5g were used for this study. <i>Achyranthes aspera</i> leaves was pulverized to coarse powder from where methanolic extract was obtained. 0.2ml of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 200mg/kg respectively of leaf extract was administered to mice for four days. After administration, 1ml of blood was collected from mice through cardiac puncture into EDTA bottle for full blood count estimation using Abacus-80 hematological analyzer. Results: The administration of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg doses of the extract resulted in increased lymphocyte count from 29.4±7.35% to 70.4±0.25%, 70.5±0.219% and 81.3±0.282% respectively at P>0.05 while neutrophil value was reduced from 55.2±11.05 x 10<sup>9</sup>/l to 14.0±0.216x 10<sup>9</sup>/l, 11.2±0.109x10<sup>9</sup>/l and 12.3±0.148 x10<sup>9</sup>/l. The administration of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg doses of the extract increases platelet count from 99.0±0.52x10<sup>3</sup>/ul to 529±0.01x 10<sup>3</sup>/ul, 332±0.523x10<sup>3</sup>/ul and 135±0.543x10<sup>3</sup>/ul respectively. Conclusion: Ingestion of methanolic leaf extract of <i>Achyranthes aspera</i> resulted in a dose dependent changes in hematological parameter of albino mice including significant increase in lymphocyte and platelet counts. This plant’s leaf extract may therefore have the potentials of being effective in the treatment of diseases cause by thrombocytopenia and lymphocytopenia in mammals. It is believed that information provided in this study can enhance appropriate usage of <i>Achyranthes aspera</i> in folkloric medicine in Nigeria.
Highlights
Achyranthes aspera is an annual, erect stiff flowering herb, usually about 0.3 to 1meter high [1, 2] and belong to Amaranthaceae family
The hematological parameters of mice considered in this study includes: Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Total White Cell Count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, hemoglobin level, platelet count and red blood cell count
Herbal drugs constitute a major part of many traditional medical systems globally [7] and Plants can still serve as possible sources for new drugs and therapeutic chemicals [28] but literature on the effect of A. aspera extract on hematological parameters of mammals is scanty, and effect of this plant’s leaf extract on the hematological parameter of albino mice in Northeastern Nigeria have not yet been fully studied this study aims to examine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera on the hematological parameter of mice in other to elucidate the patho-hematological effects and hematotoxicity of this plant in traditional medicinal care
Summary
Achyranthes aspera is an annual, erect stiff flowering herb, usually about 0.3 to 1meter high [1, 2] and belong to Amaranthaceae family. It is commonly found as a way side weed in most tropical regions of the world. 97 Emmanuel Asuquo Etim et al.: Effect of Achyranthes Aspera Leaf Extract on Hematological Parameters of Swiss Albino Mice the haemostatic system of mammals. [27] In male reproductive medicine model, A. aspera roots have been reported to possess spermicidal activity in both human and rat [28] and administration of A. aspera leaves extracts causes reduction in spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, androgen production, and alteration of sexual behavior in Swiss albino mice.
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