Effect of sub chronic administration of ethanolic root bark extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius (Smith) Bruce (Rubiaceae) on haematological parameters of rats

ABSTRACT The root bark extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius was administered to rats at doses of 100-300mg/kg for 20 days to investigate its effect on haematological indices of rats. Haematological indices namely Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Red blood cell count (RBC), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Mean cell volume (MCV), and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were assessed from whole blood obtained from the tested animals as well as those in the control group. The extract at the doses administered was found to produce a dose dependant increase in the PCV, Hb, WBC and RBC. The changes in MCHC, MCH, and MCV were insignificant. The result obtained showed that the extract posses hemopoitic property and therefore could be suggested as a control for sickle cell anaemia