Effects of aqueous extracts of Mucuna sloanei (Fabaceae) seed on haematological parameters of albino rats (Rattus novergicus)

Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countries. The effect of aqueous seed extract of M. sloanei on the haematological profile of normal albino rats was investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The results show no overall dose dependent significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum levels of the white blood cell count, red blood cell count and its indices (haemoglobin content, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) of the rats throughout the duration of the experiment when compared with the control. However, a dose independent significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the white blood cell level was observed in week 3, while the decrease observed in the remaining week was not significant. The effects of the interaction between the doses and duration of treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in all the haematological parameters tested. These findings suggest that consumption of the crude seed extracts of M. sloanei may not constitute any adverse effect on the haematological indices of the consumers. However, the significant reduction in white blood cell levels observed in week 3 could compromise the body’s immunity and may predispose consumers to opportunistic and supra-infections in the long run.Keywords: Mucuna sloanei seed, aqueous extract, haematological parameters, albino rats

Histopathological effects of Cyperdicot and vitamin E supplementation on selected organs of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) reared in a tropical fish farm in Nigeria

This study conducted in 2014 investigated the histopathological effects of Cyperdicot and vitamin E supplementation on some selected organs in juveniles of Clarias gariepinus. Fish were exposed to 0. 0.08 and 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot and vitamin E. Fish were divided into six groups: control, 0.80 mg/L; Cyperdicot, 0.16 mg/L; Cyperdicot, vitamin E, vitamin E + 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot, and vitamin E + 0.16 m/L Cyperdicot insecticide. There was significant relation between temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen with Cyperdicot concentration. The LC50 value based on probit analysis was found to be 0.08 mg/L for 96 h. Samples were taken at fixed times for histopathological studies. The fish exhibited behavioural and dermatological changes. Vitamin E + 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot and vitamin E + 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot treated fish showed abnormalities in their behaviour. Gills, liver, and kidneys of the 0.08 mg/L Cyperdicot treated group also showed several histopathological changes during the experimental periods. The organs of the fish treated with vitamin E + 0.16 mg/L Cyperdicot induced histopathological changes. The toxic effect of Cyperdicot is clear on the behavioural and histopathological aspects of the fish gills, liver, and kidney tissues, while vitamin E had no amelioration effects on them.Keywords: Cyperdicot, vitamin E, Clarias gariepinus, pesticide, sub lethal toxicit