Haematological Properties of Aqueous Extracts of Phyllantus amarus (Schum and Thonn.) and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich in Albino rats
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Date
2009
Authors
Taiwo, I. A.
Oboh, B.O.
Francis-Garuba, P. N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamla-Raj
Abstract
A study on haematological effects of aqueous extracts from Phyllantus amarusand Xylopia aethiopica was investigated in albino rats. The extracts from both plants caused a dose-dependent decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) with 400mg/kg of X. aethiopicacausing the least ESR of 2.7±0.6mm/hr. Significant increases were obtained in red blood cell (RBC) count especially with 100mg/kg of P. amarusand X. aethiopicathat caused 5.6% and 7.8% increases in RBC count respectively (P< 0.05). Similar pattern of result was obtained for packed cell volume (PCV). P. amarusdid not appear to affect haemoglobin concentration, but higher values of HB concentration were obtained for X. aethiopica; the difference was, however, not significantly different from the control (P>0.05).Total and differential count studies showed significant increases in the number of circulating leucocytes and neutrophils respectively especially with 100mg/kg of extracts (P<0.05). Assessment of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) gave significantly higher values of ALT for P. amarus – treated rats (P < 0.05). It was therefore suggested that while both plants can serve as immune boosters and blood tonics, there is need for caution on excessive and prolonged consumption of P. amarus.
Description
Keywords
Immunostimulant, Liver Enzymes, Hepatotoxic
Citation
Taiwo, I. A. Oboh, B.O. & Francis-Garuba, P. N. (2009). Haematological Properties of Aqueous Extracts of Phyllantus amarus (Schum and Thonn.) and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich in Albino rats. Ethno Medicine. 3(2), 99-103