Effects of Methanol Extract of Securidacalongepedunculata on Haematology and Histology of Rats

Abstract

Thirty -two (32) wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight. Group one was given 5ml/kgbw of normal saline and it served as the control, while groups two to four were given 100, 200 and 500 mg/kgbw of methanol extract Securidacalongepedunculata for twenty-eight (28) days. All the rats were maintained ad libitum on chick's mash and water. Sacrifices were done on the 7 th , 14 th , 21 st and 28 th day for the haematology and the histological examination was after the 28 th day. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in Hb concentration and WBC when compared to the control at weeks one (acute phase) and four (chronic phase). Weeks two and three showed variations. The same trend was seen in packed cell volume (PCV) with exception in group four of week four. On examination of the organs, there was no morphological difference, however, there were histological changes in the liver and kidneys of animals treated with the extract. These changes were characteristically severe degeneration/necrosis, severe congestion, lymphocytes infiltration, sinusoid enlargement and parenchyma hypertrophy. These results seemed to suggest haemolytic effect and significant organ damage of the methanol extract of Securidacalongepedunculataat the chronic phase.