Effect Of Aqueous Leaf Extract Research Articles

Reassessment of Acute and Chronic Toxicity Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Morinda Lucida in Rattus Norvegicus

In view of preponderance of medicinal uses of Morinda lucida there is need to reassess its toxicity potential. Phytochemical analysis of Morinda Lucida leaf powder was carried out to determine the therapeutic and toxic principles of the plant. Acute and chronic effects of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf were studied in Rattus norvegicus. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, anthraquinones, tannins, and reducing sugar, whereas steroids were absent. Proximate analysis yielded moisture (8.88%), dry matter (91.12%), ash (18.71%), fat and oil (25.16%), nitrogen free extract (34.30%), crude fibre (12.45%) and crude protein (10.50%). Median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated to be >16,265mg/kg body weight. Haematological analysis revealed significantly (P<0.05) increased packed cell volume, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. However white blood cells decreased significantly (P<0.05) at dose level of 1,626.5mg/kg. But, alanine aminotrasferase, glucose, creatinine, total protein, bilirubin, sodium ion, bicarbonate ion and chloride ion decreased significantly (P<0.05). Urea increased significantly (P<0.05). Therefore, aqueous extract of Morinda lucida is safe at the test doses of 16.26 and 162.65mg/kg body weight when administered for 28 days with kidney degeneration and mild to moderate deleterious effects on lung, liver, heart and spleen at dose level of 1,626.5mg/kg bodyweight of the extract.

Anxiolytic, Sedative and Hypothermic Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina Del. (Asteraceae) in Albino Mice

Aims: This study evaluated the anxiolytic, sedative and hypothermic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina in Mice. Study Design: One-factor two control groups experimental design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, between October 2012 and January 2013. Methodology: Animal models of novelty induced behaviours (rearing and locomotion), anxiolysis (T-maze and hole-board), sedation (amylobarbitone induced hypnosis) and hypothermia (rectal temperature measurement) were utilized in this study. Five different groups of white albino mice of both sexes weighing 23 – 28g (n=5 or 6) were randomly selected. Group 1 was the control (normal saline, 10 ml/kg, i.p.), group 2 was the positive control (diazepam, 1mg/kg, i.p.), while group 3, 4 and 5 were treated with aqueous leaf extract at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg, i.p., respectively. All animals in each group were pre-treated for 30 minutes before assessment. Results: V. amygdalina at 50 mg/kg showed anxiolytic activity by significantly (P<0.001) increasing the frequency of head-dip compared to control, and also a significant (P =.05) decrease and increase (P<0.001) in latencies to withdrawal from the closed and open arms of the elevated T-maze respectively. However, at 100-200mg/kg, V. amygdalina showed sedative activity by significantly (P<0.001) decreasing rearing, locomotion (P<0.001) and head-dip frequency (P<0.001) in mice. Furthermore, V. amygdalina (100-200mg/kg) caused significant (P<0.001) decrease in sleep latency and significantly (P<0.001) increased sleep duration in amylobarbitone-induced sleeping test indicating sedative activity. V. amygdalina (50-200mg/kg) also caused significant (at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min and 120 min; P=.05) reduction in rectal temperature in mice compared to normal saline and diazepam. Conclusion: The aqueous leaf extract of V. amygdalina may possess anxiolytic, sedative and hypothermic effects, hence justifying its folkloric medicinal use.

Study on the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale on seed germination and seedling growth of Vigna unguiculata

Allelochemicals play a significant role in the germination and seedling growth of crop plants. Various allelochemicals are present in Anacardium. These chemicals enter into the crops environment and adversely affect the growth of crop and reduce their yield. It is seen that with increase in the concentration of leaf extract there is a decrease in germination value, germination percentage, cumulative germination percentage, shoot length , root length, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight and stomatal index. For the successful cultivation of cowpea, the seeds should be grown away from this plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/apjeesd.v1i1.9504Asia Pacific Journal of Environment Ecology and Sustainable Development 2013; 1: 10-14

Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Paulinia Pinnata on Swimming Endurance Time of Mice

The swimming test was used to investigate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Pauliniapinnata on the swimming endurance in mice. Mice were categorized into controls and test groups and placed in plastic jar containing water maintained at 25±1 o C. Each animal was allowed to swim until exhausted and the swimming time recorded. The results revealed that the extract (500mg/kg) and imipramine (50mg/kg) caused significant reduction (P<0.05) in swimming time compared to the control that was given normal saline. This effect is considered to be attributed to its CNS depression which diminishes ability for physical activity. Depressant activity of the extract was dose-dependent as swimming time decreased with increasing dose as revealed in the regression data. The results obtained with this extract therefore demonstrated that Pauliniapinnata leaf possess obvious depressant activity on the CNS of mice.

Investigation on the effect of aqueous Leaf extract of Acanthus montanus on spermatogenesis in Swiss mice

Investigation on the effect of aqueous Leaf extract of Acanthus montanus on spermatogenesis in Swiss mice

Antioxidant activity and preventive effect of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe Vera on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats.

In the present study, the nephroprotective and curative effects of aqueous extract of AV on gentamicin-induced tubular toxicity in male Wistar rats were investigated. Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of AV were also determined. In a preclinical study, 60 male Wistar rats were designated into 6 groups of 10 and treated as follows: Group I: Treated with vehicle (distilled water) and kept as control. Group II: Received 300 mg/kg/d AV for three days then, AV plus GM (80 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) for 7 more days and sacrificed. Group III: Received 300 mg/kg AV orally for 10 days, then sacrificed. Group IV: Received GM for 7 days and sacrificed. Group V: Received GM for 7 days and saline for ten days and sacrificed on 17th day. Group VI: Received GM for 7 days, then AV for 10 days and sacrificed. The levels of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in Aloe vera extract were 43 ± 3.8 mg/g (Rutin equivalent) and 80.1 ± 3.8 mg/g (Gallic acid equivalent), respectively. The antioxidant activity of the extract was 38%. The intensity of nephrotoxicity in group 2 that received AV 300 mg/kg/d as prophylaxis was not significantly different from the group I and from the group II which treated with 300 mg/kg/d AV without GM. This finding reveals that AV as prophylaxis could potentially attenuate the GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Aole vera significantly protects the renal cells and reduces the severity of tubular damage caused by gentamicin. However, it cannot regenerate tubular damage.

Investigation on the effect of aqueous Leaf extract of Acanthus montanus on spermatogenesis in Swiss mice

Acanthus montanus T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) possesses several medicinal properties; it is used in Cameroon as a folk medicine to treat pain, inflammation and threatened abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of A. montanus aqueous extract on spermatogenesis in Swiss male albino mice and its mechanism of action.The extract, irrespective of dose, reversibly improved spermatogenic activity with 500mg/kg-1b.wt giving the most promising result. No significant reduction in body weight and weight of reproductive organs was observed and the gonadosomatic index remained stable irrespective of the increase in concentration of extract of A.momtanus. Increase in the spermatogenic indexes and total spermatogenic yield points to the potential of Acanthus montanus as a herbal –based remedy for spermatogenic dysfunction.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of azadirachta indica on some haematological parameters and blood glucose level in female rats

Background: Azadirachta indica A. juss (AI; Family: Meliaceae) is one of the most useful medicinal plants containing different alkaloids that includes nimbitin, azadirachtin and salanin whose individual effects contribute to the general medicinal properties of the plant. In Nigeria, pregnant and lactating women have been observed consuming aqueous extract of AI and anecdotal reports from them suggest that they consume the extract because of the folkloric belief that it is potentially harmless, it is hematopoietic and protects them from malaria. Aim: This study was designed to investigate the effects of consumption of AI during pregnancy and lactation on some hematological parameters and blood glucose level. Materials and Methods: Sixty female rats weighing 150-200 g were used for this study. The rats were divided into three groups (non pregnant, pregnant and lactating groups) of 20 rats each. Each group was subdivided into four subgroups based on the dose of AI administered. Subgroup I served as control and received distilled water throughout the experiment while subgroups II-IV received 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 21 days. On day 20 of extract administration, blood samples were withdrawn from each rat in each group after an overnight fast for the estimation of some hematological parameters and blood glucose level. Results: There were significant increases (P < 0.05 for each) in the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet (PLT) and a significant dose-dependent decrease (P < 0.05) in blood glucose level in all groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that the results of the present study seem to justify the folkloric use of AI as a hematopoietic agent with the potential of ameliorating the burden of anemia and hyperglycemia in women especially during pregnancy.

Phytochemical content of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves and toxicological effect of its aqueous leaf extract in Wistar rats

ABSTRACT Objective - Recent research on medicinal plants indicates that some plant extract are not only beneficial in the treatment of ailments but could also be toxic. Aqueous extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves is consumed for various reasons in traditional medicine. This study considers possible toxicological effects of aqueous leaf extract of C. aconitifolius using biochemical and histological indices of liver and kidney function as well as haematological indices in rats. Method - In this study, phytochemical screening of C. aconitifolius leaves was carried out. Sub acute toxicity tests were done using twenty (20) male albino rats (4 – 6 weeks old; body weight, 132.20 ± 48.10g). They were grouped into 4 groups of 5 rats each and fed pelletized grower’s mash incorporated 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract for 28 days. The control group received pelletized grower’s mash and water only. At the end of the feeding period, blood was collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical and haematological examinations. The liver and kidneys were also collected for histological studies and relative organ weights. Results - Phytochemical analysis of the plant leaves showed mean concentrations (%) of tannins, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and steroids at 0.14, 4.04, 0.003, 4.72, 0.19, 2.36, and 0.27, respectively. Incorporation of the aqueous extract into the diets of rats at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 28 days resulted in non-significant (p>0.05) effects on the relative organ weights, total protein, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities, total and conjugated bilirubin, creatinine, platelet, red blood cell, white blood cell, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils concentrations. However, blood monocyte concentrations were significantly decreased (p

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones of male Wistar rats

Introduction: Male fertility is controlled by a complex assortment of pituitary-gonadal hormones. This regulation is key to understanding problems with fertility. The level to which some plants consumed by man contribute to his fertility problems is yet to be fully explored. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of Chaya on pituitary gonadal hormone axis in male wistar rats. Methodology: The study was conducted using 24 wistar rats randomized into three control and three treatment groups of four rats each. The treatment rats received 1.5g/kg body weight of Chaya extract by gavage. Blood samples were collected at various time intervals for hormonal assay and statistical analysis performed. Findings: There was a statistically significant decrease (P = 0.010) in testosterone levels and elevated LH and FSH levels (P = 0.432 and P = 0.939 respectively) in the treatment rats. The testosterone / estrogen ratio was also elevated. These effects were duration of treatment dependent.

Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Asystasia gangetica on the blood pressure and heart rate in male spontaneously hypertensive Wistar rats

BackgroundAsystasia gangentica (A. gangetica) belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is used to treat hypertension, rheumatism, asthma, diabetes mellitus, and as an anthelmintic in South Africa, India, Cameroun, Nigeria, and Kenya respectively. It has also been reported to inhibit the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in-vitro. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the in-vivo effect of aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of A. gangetica on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in anaesthetized male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR); and to elucidate possible mechanism(s) by which it acts.MethodsThe ALE of A. gangetica (10–400 mg/kg), angiotensin I human acetate salt hydrate (ANG I, 3.1–100 μg/kg) and angiotensin II human (ANG II, 3.1–50 μg/kg) were administered intravenously. The BP and HR were measured via a pressure transducer connecting the femoral artery to a Powerlab and a computer for recording.ResultsA. gangetica significantly (p<0.05), and dose-dependently reduced the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP. The significant (p<0.05) reductions in HR were not dose-dependent. Both ANG I and ANG II increased the BP dose-dependently. Co-infusion of A. gangetica (200 mg/kg) with either ANG I or ANG II significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the hypertensive effect of both ANG I and ANG II respectively, and was associated with reductions in HR.ConclusionsA. gangetica ALE reduced BP and HR in the SHR. The reduction in BP may be a result of actions of the ALE on the ACE, the ANG II receptors and the heart rate.

Efficacy and toxicological evaluation of Coccinia grandis (Cucurbitaceae) extract in male Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the oral antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Coccinia grandis (L.) (Cucurbitaceae) along with toxicological effects in alloxan induced diabetic and healthy Wistar rats. MethodsA single graded dose of aqueous leaf extract of Coccinia grandis (0.25-2.00 g/kg) was administered orally to alloxan induced (150 mg/kg, i.p.) diabetic Wistar rats (n=6). In acute toxicity assessment, Wistar rats were administered the extract at the same dose range and observed for three days. Sub-chronic toxicity was evaluated by daily administration of the extract for 30 d at the dose which showed the optimum antihyperglycemic effect. Signs of toxicity, body weight of animals, consumption of food and water were monitored during the study period. The effects of the extract on biochemical (lipid parameters and activities of liver enzymes), hematological parameters (full blood count) and histopathological effects in organs were assessed at the end of the study. ResultsThe optimum effective dose on glucose tolerance for Coccinia grandis leaf extract was found to be 0.75 g/kg in diabetic rats. The extract neither produced significant changes in consumption of food, intake of water, relative weight of organs nor affected biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters (P<0.05). ConclusionsThe extract at a dose of 0.75 g/kg was found to be toxicologically safe as a potential antihyperglycemic agent in Wistar rats.

Acute effects of aqueous leaf extract of Aspilia africana C.D. Adams on some haematological parameters in rats.

Several medicinal plants have been documented for their haematological effects either at low or high concentration but very little is known about Aspilia africana. The aim of the study was to investigate the acute effects of aqueous leaf extract of Aspilia africana at different concentrations on some haematological parameters in rats. Following 14 days of oral administration of aqueous extract of A. africana, Haematocrit (HCT), Haemoglobin concentration (HB), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Red Blood Cell Count (RBC Count), Total White Blood Cell Count (Total WBC Count), Absolute Neutrophils count (NEUT#), Absolute Lymphocytes count (LYM#), Absolute Eosinophils Count (EOSIN#) and Absolute Monocytes (MONO#) were evaluated in twenty (20) male Wistar albino rats. The rats weighed 174 ± 20 g, and were randomly assigned into 4 groups viz: Group 1, Control; Group 2, 250 mg/Kg/d aqueous extract; Group 3, 500 mg/Kg/d aqueous extract; and Group 4, 750 mg/Kg/d aqueous extract. HCT, HB, MCHC, RBC Count, Total WBC Count, NEUT#, LYM#, EOSIN# and MONO# were significantly increased (P<0.001) in 500 mg/Kg/d of A. africana extract (61.13 ± 1.65%, 13.5 ± 1.29 g/dl, 23.33 ± 0.0.02 g/dl, 3.68 ± 0.02 X 10(12)Cells/l, 2.33 ± 0.02 X 10(9)Cells/l, 1.32 ± 0.04 X 10(9)Cells/l, 1.43 ± 0.05 X 10(9)Cells/l, 0.47 ± 0.02 X 10(9)Cells/l and 0.47 ± 0.04 X 10(9)Cells/l, respectively) when compared to the Control (51.13 ± 0.85%, 9.56 ± 0.43 g/dl, 19.22 ± 0.19 g/dl, 2.69 ± 0.01 X 10(12)Cells/l, 1.79 ± 0.01 X 10(9)Cells/l, 0.80 ± 0.00 X 10(9)Cells/l, 0.83 ± 0.00 X 10(9)Cells/l, 0.18 ± 0.00 X 10(9)Cells/l and 0.24 ± 0.00 X 10(9)Cells/l, respectively) which received no extract at all. The 500 mg/Kg of A. africana extract proved to be the most effective, while the 750 mg/Kg proved to be the least effective in comparison with the control. The results of this study further strengthened the earlier works on the medicinal benefits of Aspilia africana and its virtue as a good pharmacological source of haematopoiesis.

Toxic effects of aqueous leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Vernonia bipontini vatke&lt;/i&gt; on blood, liver and kidney tissue of mice

The present paper evaluates the acute and chronic toxicity of aqueous crude leaf extract of Vernonia bipontini Vatke (V. bipontini V) in mice model. Leaves of the plant were collected from Bale, Ethiopia, dried under shade, crushed into powder and soaked in water to yield the extract. Lethal dose of aqueous leaf extract of the plant was determined using nine groups of mice to which the aqueous leaf extracts of V. bipontini V was administered at doses ranging from 1250 to 3250mg/kg. All animals were closely observed for any physical and behavioral alterations for acute toxicity evaluation. For long-term toxicity evaluation, animals were subjected to oral administration of the extract at 400 and 800mg/kg, at 24 hours intervals for 45 days. The treated animals survived for 45 days. Body weights of the mice were recorded. Blood sample was collected from experimental and control groups for hematological studies and biochemical analysis on the 46th day after anesthesia. The liver and kidney of each animal were taken and examined by light microscope for any anatomical abnormalities. The LD50 was found to be 2500.62±5.24 mg/kg. The extract had no significant effect on liver and kidney weights, hematological (RBC, WBC, platelet, Hgb, Hct, Mcv, Mcv and L) and biochemical parameters such as liver AST, ALT and ALP; and kidney urea at all doses (P&gt;0.05). Light microscope examination of liver and kidney tissue of mice treated with 400 and 800mg/kg of the extract did not show structural abnormalities. The results suggest that the extract of this plant may be safe, even when administered at a dose of 800mg/kg for 45 days. This is in agreement with the traditional claim of the water preparation of V. bipontini Vatke leaves.Key words: V. bipontini Vatke, Swiss Albino mice, Hematological and Biochemical parameters.

Gastroprotective effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis in Albino rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Guiera senegalensis (G. senegalensis) on gastric mucosal damage using different ulcer models. MethodsConsidering the above claims, the present study was undertaken to validate the gastroprotective potential of the aqueous leaf extract of this plant against ethanol, water immersion and Aspirin induced ulcer models. ResultsThe leaf extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the ulcer index in all assays used. ConclusionsThe results obtained, provide strong evidence of antiulcer activity of the leaf extract of G. senegalensis and support the traditional uses of the plant for the treatment of ulcer.

Allelopathy effect of aqueous extract of Clerodendrum viscosum, Ageratum conyzoides and Parthenium hysterophorus on the seed germination and seedling vigour of Chickpea seeds (Cicer arietinum L.) in vitro

In present study the allelopathic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of Clerodendrum viscosum, Ageratum conyzoides and Parthenium hysterophorus was observed on the seed germination of Chickpea in vitro (Cicer arietinum.L.).Seed germination was found to be inhibited in all the leaf extract concentrations used i.e. 2%,4%,6%,8% and 10%. However higher inhibition was observed in the 10% leaf extract of the test plants (i.e. Cl. viscosum, Ag. conyzoides and P. hysterophorus). In compare to all allelopathic plants extracts more inhibition was found in P. hysterophorus leaf extract followed by Cl. viscosum and Ag. conyzoides. Higher inhibition of radical and plumule growth of the Chickpea seeds was found with the increase in concentration of the leaf extracts used. Percentage of germination of Chickpea seeds was found to be low in 10% concentration whereas in untreated seeds it was found to be more.

Acid buffering effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. in the rabbit stomach

Although the gastroprotective properties of Ocimum gratissimum L. have been mentioned, the exact mechanism is yet to be explored. Since acid output plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of gastric ulceration, the present study was aimed at investigating the effect of leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on gastric luminal pH, acid output, parietal cell mass and gastric mucous cell population in rabbits. The model of pyloric ligation for acid secretion and ulcer study was employed. Prior to the 4 h ligation, male New Zealand rabbits were treated orally with 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg b.w aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum twice daily for three weeks. The antisecretory and antiulcer effect of Ocimum gratissimum was compared with omeprazole (20 mg/kg p.o). Parietal cell mass and gastric mucous cell population were determined in the gastric samples by histometry. Aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum caused significant reduction in ulcer formation, gastric secretion volume and acid output in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). Percentage inhibition was recorded as 29%, 46.2%, 52.9% for ulcer; and 16.2%, 35.9%, 52.1% for acid output upon pretreatment with 75 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg b.w respectively. Parietal cell mass was also reduced while gastric mucous cell population and luminal pH increased accordingly when compared to the control group. Data were comparable with the antisecretory effect of omeprazole. The results indicate that the anti-secretory activity of Ocimum gratissimum may be the anti-ulcer mechanism of this plant.

Comparative allelopathic effects of Cryptocarya moschata and Ocotea odorifera aqueous extracts on Lactuca sativa

The aim of this work was to compare the allelopathic effects of aqueous leaf extracts from Cryptocarya moschata and Ocotea odorifera on the seed germination and initial growth of Lactuca sativa (lettuce). The extracts were prepared by cold maceration, which was accomplished by adding distilled water to the dried plant material 1:10 (w v-1) and grinding. The treatment concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%) were obtained by dissolving the dried crude extract in distilled water. The allelopathic potential of the dried Ocotea odorifera and Cryptocarya moschata leaves on Lactuca sativa was observed through reduction of the percentage of seeds that germinated, the index of germination and the length of the roots as well as structural abnormalities in L. sativa seedlings. For both extracts, the extract concentration and allelopathic effect were highly correlated. However, the C. moschata extract had no effect on caulicle length at the different tested concentrations.

Effect of oral administration of aqueous leaves extract of &lt;i&gt;Cassia occidentalis&lt;/i&gt; on liver and kidney functions in rats

The toxicological effect of aqueous leaf extract of Cassia occidentalis Linn plant in rats was studied. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were measured 14 days after oral administration. No significant rise (P&gt;0.05) in activity of ALT, AST, ALP and the concentrations of urea and creatinine were recorded at the 300, 600, and 900mg/kg body weight doses administered. Histopathological analysis revealed no cellular death, necrosis or inflammation of the liver and kidney. The leaves of this plant are thus found to be safe with no adverse effect on the liver and kidney functions at the doses administered.Keywords: - Cassia Occidentalis, Toxicological effect, Aminotransferase, Histopathology

Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on Hematological Parameters in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on hematological parameters in male wistar rats. Study Design: In_vivo. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Nigeria, between August 2011 and October 2011. Methodology: Thirty two male wistar rats of average body weights 167.50g were grouped into four (I-IV), of eight rats each. Group I received distilled water (control), while constituted doses of 2500, 5000 and 10000 mg/kg body weight of the extract were administered once daily for 14 days to animals in group II, III and IV respectively. The effect of administration of this extract on hematological parameters was evaluated. Results: Results showed that the extract did not exhibit any significant effect (P>0.05) on packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocytes, platelets, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate at all the administered doses of the extract. There was a significant reduction in mean corpuscular volume at all doses of the administered extract when compared with the control. Conclusion: The extract may be considered relatively hematotoxic at a dose of 2500 mg/kg due to its potentials to cause the formation of microcytic RBC’s.