Effects of Ethanol Roots Extract of Jatropha Tanjorensis on Haematological Indices of Male Albino Wistar Rats (Published)
This study was carried out to determine the effects of ethanol roots extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on haematological indices of male albino wistar rats. Twenty (20) albino wistar rats weighing between 151-225g were used for the study. The rats were divided into four groups of five each based on body weight. Group I served as the control. Groups II, III and IV were administered varying concentrations (100, 250 and 500mg respectively) of ethanol roots extract of Jatropha tanjorensis. The administration was done daily for 14 days. The haematological indices analysed include Red blood cells (RBC), White blood cells (WBC), Haemoglobin (HGB), Haematocrit (HCT), Mean cell volume (MCV), Mean cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Platelets count (PLT), Lymphocytes (LYM) and Neutrophil count. The study revealed a significant (P 0.05) increase in White blood cell (WBC) count, Red blood cell (RBC) count and Haemoglobin (HGB) count in the groups administered the extract compared to the control group. There were also significant (P 0.05) increase in the values of Haematocrit, Platelet count and Lymphocyte in the treated groups than the control. The values of MCV, MCH and MCHC in groups II and III were not significantly (P 0.05) different from the control while that of group IV was significantly (P 0.05) higher than the control group. For the values of NEUT, it was observed that there was no significant (P 0.05) different between the treated groups and the control group. This study suggests that Jatropha tanjorensis roots possess the required ingredients capable of boosting the immune system and could prevent other opportunistic diseases associated with decreased immunity. The extract may be useful in the treatment and management of anaemia as well as improving the immune system in humans.
Keywords: Haematocrit, Haemoglobin, Jatropha tanjorensis roots extract, Red blood cells, white blood cells
Efficiency of Allium Cepa L. Aqueous Extract in Alleviating Anaemia in Phenylhydrazine Induced Haemolytic Anaemic Rats (Published)
Raw onions (Allium cepa L.) have been found to contain powerful medicinal (active) ingredients which could be used to treat or manage certain ailments. In this study, effort was made to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Allium cepa L. on phenylhydrazine induced anaemic rats in order to ascertain the claims by some traditional herbalists in Nigeria of using same to treat anaemic patients. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, oxalates and cyanogenic glycosides. Sixteen (16) wistar rats were divided into 4 treatment groups and maintained for fourteen (14) days. One group (normal control) received normal diet only. The second group (anaemia control) was induced with anaemia using phenylhydrazine as haemolytic agent. The group was fed with normal diet. The third group (anaemic test) was induced with anaemia using phenylhydrazine as haemolytic agent. The group also received aqueous extract and normal diet. The fourth group (normal test) received the aqueous extract and normal diet only. The aqueous extract was given through gastric intubation (orally). Induction of anaemia was done by intraperitoneal injection of 125mg/kg phenylhydrazine. The body weights (BWTs) of the rats were monitored throughout the period. After 14 days, the blood samples were taken and used to determine the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and the haemoglobin (HB) level. The findings revealed that the administration of the aqueous extract significantly affect the HB levels of the rats, as well as their PCV. It is suggested that the use of aqueous extracts of Allium cepa L. by traditional herbalists in Nigeria to treat anaemic patients appears to be justified.
Keywords: Anaemia, Haemoglobin, Onion, Packed Cell Volume, Wistar rats