Hematotoxicity assessment of phytochemicals from aqueous leaf extracts of Carpobrotus edulis

Abstract

The leaves of Carpobrotus edulis are used in folk medicine to treat several ailments. This study therefore seeks to do a phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract of Carpobrotus edulis which grows in Zimbabwe as well as determine the effect of these aqueous extracts on hematological parameters of Sprague Dawley rats. Aqueous extraction of Carpobrotus edulis leaves was performed by using routine methods and standard phytochemical screening methods. Thirty-two (32) Sprague Dawley rats of both sexes equally represented, were grouped into three treatment groups (A-C) and one negative control group D of eight animals each. Group A received 100mg/kg of the extract; Group B received 300mg/kg while Group C received 1000mg/kg of the extract for 28 days. After 28 days of daily oral gavage of the extract, hematological parameters were measured. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, anthraquinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins and glycosides. Aqueous leaf extracts of Carpobrotus edulis did not have any significant effects (P>0.05) on the hematological parameters on any of the treatment groups of Sprague Dawley rats after oral exposure for 28 days. Carpobrotus edulis have no deleterious effects on the hematological parameters however further studies are recommended to completely evaluate the safety profile of the plant.