Effect of Methanol Extract of Telfairia occcidentalis on Haematological Parameters in Wister Rats.

Abstract

The effects of long-term administration of methanol extracts of Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) on hematological parameters was investigated in rats. A total of 15 wister rats were grouped into 3 groups of 5 animals each. Group 1 rats serve as control group, while group B and C was treated with 300 and 600 mL kgG1 of T. occidentalis, respectively, for 30 days. Results show that the extract at dose of 300 and 600 mL kgG1 cause significant increase in (p<0.05) Red Blood Cells (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Red Cell width standard deviation (RCD widthsd) and had no effects on Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) when compare with the control rats. Among the leucocytes indices a significant (p<0.05), increased in White Blood Cells (WBC) and lymphocyte (LY) count but decrease the mid cell total count (MID) and granulocyte (GRAN) compared to the control rats were observed. The extract at dose of 600 mg kgG1 cause significant reduction in thrombocytic parameters, including platelet count (PLT), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and plateletcrit (PCT) but had no effects on Platelet Distribution Weight (PDW) when compare with the control rats. However, at dose of 300 mg kgG1 all the thrombocytic parameters compare well with the control. It is concluded that, chronic administration of methanol extracts of T. occidentalis to wister rats has stimulated leucopoietin and erythropoietin release this has justify the traditional use of the plant as blood builder. However, it inhibitory effect on thrombopoiesis at higher dose has raised concern on its safety.