The Effect of Crude Methanolic Leaf Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum on Some Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats 1

Abstract: Bryophyllum pinnatum (B. pinnatum) is a perennial herb growing widely and used in folkloric medicine. Much research work has not been carried out on its effect on hematological parameters. We therefore decided to investigate the effect of crude methanolic leaf extract of B. pinnatum on some hematological parameters in Wistar rats. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats aged 2 to 3 months obtained from the Animal House of College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus were acclimatized for two weeks. They were divided into five groups labeled A to E. Groups A to D were orally fed with graded doses of the crude leaf extract (100, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively) once daily for 28days in lower concentrations compared to an oral LD 50 of 800 mg/kg body weight. Group E served as control without receiving the extract. On Day 29 about 2.5mL of blood sample were collected from each rat through the median canthus into 9 /L when compared with control E = 4.0±1.0×10 9 /L. The platelet count were decreased in all the treated groups but was significant only in group A = 135±13×10 9 /L when compared with control E = 225±20×10 9 /L (p<0.05). The blood film examination revealed normocytic and normochromic red blood cells. This result pattern suggests that crude methanolic leaf extract of B. pinnatum may have properties that increase the Hb, PCV and TWBC, while decreasing the platelets, hence care should be taken while consuming such extracts to avoid haematological disturbances such as thrombocytopaenia. Also, constant monitoring the hematological parameters should be ensured in subjects taking such medicinal herbs for whatever purposes

The Effect Of Potassium Bromate On Some Haematological Parameters Of Wistar Rats

Potassium bromate used widely in foods has been associated with various complications in humans. However there is paucity of literature on adverse effects on haematological parameters. Thus we decided to carry out an experimental study to determine the effects of potassium bromate on some blood indices using Wister rats. Twenty (20) male Wister rats aged 2-3 months obtained from the department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka were acclimatized for two weeks. They were divided into five groups and fed with graded doses of potassium bromate solution for six weeks. One of the groups served as the control. Pre and post administration blood samples were collected and analyzed the same day using standard methods. The results revealed significant decrease in the platelet count when compared with the controls (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean Cell haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, and total leukocyte counts between the test and control rats. Potassium bromate is injurious to health if consumed continuously and in high quantity. It has been shown to reduce platelet count in rats, and thus may cause thrombocytopenia in humans. It is therefore imperative to take adequate measures to eliminate the use of potassium bromate in the preparation of food product