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

Prolonged piperazine treatment has no deleterious effects on the heamatological indices of the rat

Effects of sub-chronic treatment with piperazine citrate on the haematological indices were investigated in the rat. Piperazine did not seem to have any deleterious effect on any of the haematological parameters studied. The mean PCV values in the three groups that were treated with piperazine 30, 60 and 100mg/kg were found to be 33.20+1.02% (p=0.5439). 34.20+ 3.28% (p=0.5472) and 34+1.41% (p=0.3892) respectively. None of these was significantly different from the control mean value of 31.80+1.96%. The average total WBC per mm3 of the treated groups that received 30,60 and 100mg/kg were 2760+733.4, 2700+782.3 and 2300+547.7 respectively. Differences between these values and the average control value were also not statistically significant (p=0.7672; 0.8336 and 0.7288 respectively). For the platelet counts, the result obtained did not follow a particular pattern and the test groups again did not show ant statistically significant difference in value compared to the control group

The activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in stored blood

Background: Blood transfusion is a critical component of supportive therapy. Red blood cell viability in stored blood determines successful transfusion. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity has been shown to maintain red blood cell membrane integrity. This study was, therefore, aimed at estimating the G6PD activity in stored blood bags at the blood bank of the University of Nigeria Teaching hospital (UNTH) Enugu.Methodology: The activity of G6PD in 100 stored blood bags consisting of different ABO groups [A (n=30); B (n=30); O (n=30) and AB (n=10)], stored at the blood bank of the UNTH Enugu between April and August 2009, was determined using methhaemoglobin reduction and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric quantitative methods. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using student’s t-test and analysis of variance.Results: There was statistically significant decrease in the G6PD activity from the third week of storage (p<0.05) at the blood bank, under optimum storage conditions. The different ABO blood groups did not show any significant variation (p>0.05) in G6PD activity.Conclusion: Storage of whole blood for up to three weeks results in significant decrease in the G6PD activity and possibly, affects the red cell viability. Stored blood in the blood bank should be used up before the third week to ensure viability of red blood cells.Keywords: ABO groups, blood transfusion, blood donors, haemolytic anaemia, red blood cell

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