Abstract
Launaea taraxacifolia (Efo yanrin) aqueous extract was orally administered to albino rats with view to investigating the haematological, biochemical and histological difference on body organs. Fifteen (15) albino rats divided into five groups each of three rats were used. Group I was the control while groups II III, IV, and V were dosed with 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 2000mg/kg and 3000mg/kg respectively. Rats treated with different doses of aqueous extracts had increase packed cell volume with a significant increase of 43% in groups II and V alongside with Haemoglobin of 14.3mg/dl increase compared with the control. Moreover, the differential leucocyte counts revealed moderate increase in the lymphocytes count of groups II and V when compared with normal value. The aqueous extract of L. taraxacifolia is safe and has immunostimulatory effect. However, the effect of the extract on the liver of rats has varying degrees of lesions ranging from mild to severe diffuse degeneration of hepatocytes with periportal cellular infiltration. There was presence of multiple foci of caseous necrosis of the hepatic cells. Animals to which aqueous extract was administered at graded doses showed presence of eosinophilic cast in degenerated tubules with cellular infiltration in the renal interstitium. The histological result showed that the aqueous extract of L. taraxacifolia, could be toxic to the liver and kidney and caution should therefore be exercised in its use for medicinal purpose.
Highlights
Prepared plants’ extracts have always been used by human without any certainty of its composition, optimal dosage and adverse effect on human health
It was in lieu of this that the haematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations associated with acute oral administration of aqueous extract of L. taraxacifolia was conducted to assess its safety
As observed from this study, there was no record of death of animal on acute administration of the aqueous extracts of L. taraxacifolia at all tested stages and dosage
Summary
Prepared plants’ extracts have always been used by human without any certainty of its composition, optimal dosage and adverse effect on human health. Studies have shown that between 70% and 95% of individuals in most developing countries use traditional medicine, including herbal medicines, for the management of diseases and to address their primary health-care needs [1]. The use of traditional medication is significant. The plant is found in the Tropical West Africa, Mexico, West Indies, Central and South America, Europe, North Africa, Atlantic Islands, South, West and Central Asia [3]. It grows in an open habitat and is considered as weed because it invades fields and farmlands
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