Abstract
Although the use of medicinal plants is becoming popular globally, some of these plants which are purported to be safe are not without side effects or toxicity. Portulaca oleracea, Linn. is among the medicinal plants used globally in the treatment of diseases and management of health challenges. The dearth of information on the toxicity of Portulaca oleracea in a long term use prompted this study which investigated the sub-chronic effect of the oral administration of polar (aqueous methanol) leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea on haematological parameters in male albino rats. Sixty-four animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 16 rats each. Group 1(Control) received 0.5 ml of 20% Tween 80 (vehicle), Groups 2, 3 & 4 received 125, 250 & 500 mg/kg bw of the extract respectively for 60 days by oral gavage. On days 14, 28, 42 and 60; four rats from each group were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected for haematology. No significant (p>0.05) variation occurred in the mean values of PCV, hemoglobin concentration, RBC count, platelet count and differential leucocyte count relative to the control throughout the 60-day duration. Significant (p<0.05) increase in WBC count was recorded on day 42 in the 500mg treated group. Oral administration of polar leaf extract of P.oleracea as used in this study had no injurious effect on haematological parameters in a long term treatment of 60 days; thus can be said to be non-toxic to blood parameters.
Highlights
In the last few years, the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes has been on the increase globally
The dearth of information on the toxicity of Portulaca oleracea in a long term use prompted this study which investigated the sub-chronic effect of the oral administration of polar leaf extracts of Portulaca oleracea on haematological parameters in male albino rats
No significant (p>0.05) variation occurred in the mean values of packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count (RBC) count, platelet count and differential leucocyte count relative to the control throughout the 60-day duration
Summary
In the last few years, the use of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes has been on the increase globally. It is evaluated that about 80% of the world population depend mainly on medicinal plants for their health care delivery system [1]. (Figure 1) commonly called purslane, a member of family Portulacaceae, a warm climate green herb, with obovate leaves, small yellow flowers, and branched succulent stems which are decumbent near the base [3], is one of the medicinal plants with several therapeutic benefits. It has different names in various ethnic groups in Nigeria. It is known as “Ntioke”, or “Idiridi” in Igbo; “Esan omode” or “Papasan” in Yoruba; “Babbajibji” or Corresponding author E-mail address: Obinna et al / GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2019, 07(01), 075–085
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
