Effects of aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn seed extract on some haematological parameters and serum electrolytes of lactating albino rats

Abstract

Thepresent study investigated the effects of aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn seedextract on some haematological parameters and serum electrolyte concentrationof lactating albino rats. A total of twenty five (25) female healthy wistaralbino rats were used for the study. They were assigned into the followinggroups, Group 1, Served as control group and received 1ml of distilled water,Group 2, Received metoclopramide 5mg/kg body weight, Group 3, Received 250mg/kg b w of C. pepo L,. Group 4, Received 500 mg/kg b w of C. pepo L. andGroup 5, Received 1000 mg/kg b w of C. pepo L. All regimen was given orallyonce daily for a period of eight (8) days, starting from day 3 to day 11 oflactation. The acute toxicity and phytochemical screening were carried out. Theresult of acute toxicity studies showed that the aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linnseed extract was safe up to 5000 mg/kg b w. Phytochemical screening of theextract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, cardiac glycosides,saponins, tannins, flavanoids and alkaloids. The result obtained from thisstudy showed that the extract significantly decreased (p<0.05) the level ofred cell count in the group treated with 1000 mg/kg b w when compared with thecontrol group. However, total white blood cell count and neutophil counts werestatistically significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the groups treated with1000 and 250 mg/kg b w respectively when compared to the control group.However, there was a significantly decreased (p<0.05) serum sodium ion andpotassium ion level in the groups administered with 500 and 250 mg/kg b wrespectively when compared to the control group. It can be concluded that theplant extract did not produce a significant change on haematological parametersand serum electrolyte profile. However, the red cell count and serum sodium andpotassium ions were significantly altered when compared to the control group.