English

Abstract

The dried and pulverized unripe fruit of Salanum macrocarpum (Solanaceae) was soxlet-extracted with distilled water. Studies were then undertaken on the effect of the aqueous extract on haematological parameters and the leukocytic response on triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Graded doses (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg weight, bw) of the extract were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to different groups of hyperlipidemic rats for 7 days. Significant dose dependent increases (P<0.05) in the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) erythrocyte count (RBC) mean cell volume (MCV) and white blood cell count (WBC) were observed. However, the changes in the packed cell volume (PCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The lymphocyte count increased with increase in extract dose, but was only significant (P<0.05) at 72 h when compared to the control. The neutrophil count slightly increased with increase in extract dose and was significant (P<0.05) at 48 and 72 h of study. The changes in the eoisinophile, monocyte and basophil counts were not significant (P>0.05). The improved hematological parameters (Hb, RBC and MCV) probably imply a beneficial effect, suggesting that the plant could probably be used as an antianaemic agent. The leuckocytosis seen is probably due to the increased lymphocyte count observed. The lymphocytosis and neutrophilia in the treated rats suggest immunostimulation on the hyperlipidaemic rats.   Key words: Solanum macrocarpum, hematological parameters, hyperlipidemia, differential leukocyte count, triton.