EFFECT OF NERIUM OLEANDER POISONING ON BLOOD OF MALE GUINEAPIGS

Abstract

Haematological changes were studied in 36 adult male guineapigs during the period from July to December 1994. These animals were divided into six equal groups (A to F), each group consisting of six animals. Each animal of group B to F was administered with a single oral dose of crude watery extract of sheath oleander @ 300, 450, 600, 750 and 900 mg / kg body weight, respectively, whereas animals of group A which served as control. After administration of crude watery extract of 1/2, 6 and 72 hours a significant increase of in total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC) and haemoglobin (Hb). The maximum increase on TEC, TLC and Hb as 35, 51 and 14%, respectively, @ 750 mg / kg body weight at 6 hr of administration of crude watery extract and the minimum value of TEC, TLC and Hb as 16, 27 and 4%, respectively, with the dose rate of 300 mg / kg body weight at the same time. The elevated haematological parameters returned to normal level within 7 days of administration.