Abstract
The effects of sub-chronic administration of Pterocarpus santalinoides methanol leaf extract (PSME) on haematology, serum biochemistry and histology of albino rats were evaluated. Twenty female albino rats, randomly assigned into four groups (A-D) of five rats each, were used for the study. Groups A-C were treated orally with 500, 250 and 50 mg/kg PSME, respectively, while Group D was given distilled water as placebo at the dose of 10 ml/kg (untreated control). Treatment was done daily for 3 months after which blood samples were collected for haematology and serum biochemistry. After blood sample collection, the rats were weighed and humanely euthanized. The liver, kidneys, heart and spleen were eviscerated and weighed, and relative organ weights calculated. Thin slices of the liver and kidneys were processed for histopathology. Results showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences between the groups in all the haematological parameters assayed. The PSME (50 mg/kg) led to significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum albumin level, and at 250 and 50 mg/kg, it led to significantly (p < 0.05) lower serum creatinine level and mild random vacoulation of the hepatocytes. The PSME at all doses used in the study led to significantly (p < 0.05) higher body weights and significantly (p < 0.05) lower relative spleen and heart weights. It also caused moderate hyperaemia of the renal cortex at 500 mg/kg. It was concluded that oral sub-chronic administration of graded doses of methanol leaf extract of P. santalinoides to albino rats is non-toxic. Key words: Pterocarpus santalinoides, methanol extract, sub-chronic toxicity, haematology, serum biochemistry, histopathology.
Highlights
IntroductionThe rich floral biodiversity of Africa has provided herbal health practitioners with an impressive pool of „natural pharmacy‟ from which plants are selected as remedies or as ingredients in the preparation of herbal medicines for the treatment, management and/or control of an array of disorders (Salawu et al, 2008)
These alterations may serve as indicators of adverse effects of these substances to the body system, haematology and serum biochemistry parameters, and histopathology can be used as indicators of toxicity (Iwu, 1993; Ojiako and Nwanjo, 2006)
In view of the numerous traditional uses of P. santalinoides leaves in the treatment and management of various ailments (Adesina, 1982; Okwu and Ekeke, 2003) and the results of these previous studies (Anowi et al, 2012; Offor et al, 2015; Ihedioha et al, 2017; 2018; 2019; Obi et al, 2019), the purpose of this present study was to evaluate the effects of sub-chronic administration of graded doses of methanol leaf extract of P. santalinoides DC on haematology, serum biochemistry and histopathology of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Summary
The rich floral biodiversity of Africa has provided herbal health practitioners with an impressive pool of „natural pharmacy‟ from which plants are selected as remedies or as ingredients in the preparation of herbal medicines for the treatment, management and/or control of an array of disorders (Salawu et al, 2008) These herbs are generally accessible, affordable and acceptable to the consumers (Sofowora, 1985). These changes are of value in assessing the response of animals and humans to various physiological and pathological challenges and situations (Sancho et al, 2000) These alterations may serve as indicators of adverse effects of these substances to the body system, haematology and serum biochemistry parameters, and histopathology can be used as indicators of toxicity (Iwu, 1993; Ojiako and Nwanjo, 2006). The evaluation of toxic potentials of medicinal plants is crucial when considering such plants for public use
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