TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF SOLANUM MACROCAPON LEAVES ON ALBINO WISTAR RATS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Solanum macrocarpon is a medicinal plants commonly used in folkloric medicine due to the presence of its immense therapeutic properties. This study investigated the effects of graded doses of methanolic extract of Solanum macrocapon leaves on hematological indices in rats over 28 days. Twenty (20) albino wistar rats weighing between 150-200g were divided into four groups of 5 rats each. Animal in group 1 served as control group and were administered 1ml of distilled water while animal in group 2 were given 200mg of Solanum macrocarpon methanol extract. Animal in group 3 and 4 were given 400 mg/kg (medium dose) and 800 mg/kg (high dose) of the extract respectively. The extract administration was done with use of oral gavage throughout the period of experiment. After 28 days, the animals were anesthetized and whole blood samples were collected for haematological and antioxidant analysis. The administration of low, medium, and high doses of the extract did not significantly alter white blood cell (WBC) count or differential white blood cell count. Hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cell (RBC) count, platelet count, and red cell indices (MCHC, MCH, MCV) also showed no significant changes at all doses. However, a significant increase in HGB and HCT levels was observed in the high-dose group compared to the control. Despite the lack of major effects on blood cell production and immune function at lower doses, the high dose of the extract led to a significant reduction in HCT and HGB concnetrations suggesting potential disruption of the hemopoietic system at elevated dosages. The results indicate that while Solanum macrocapon extract does not pose significant hematological toxicity at lower doses, caution should be exercised with high doses, as they may affect blood cell integrity and function. Further toxicity studies are recommended to fully assess the safety profile of this plant extract.
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