Abstract

Investigations on possible effects of aqueous extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon on some haematological parameters and glucose concentrations in non-diabetic rabbits were carried out. At least 100 ml of extract was administered daily for 15 days to test rabbits (New Zealand strain) through clean water troughs. Blood was drawn with the aid of sterile syringes from the large vein at the back of the ears of rabbits. Swelab auto-counter 920^E+ (UK) was used in haematological analysis while blood glucose concentrations were determined by glucose oxidase procedures involving spectrophotometry. Aqueous extract of T. scleroxylon did not have significant effects (P > 0.05) on the haematological parameters (mean hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, white blood cell, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts) examined in non-diabetic rabbits when compared to normal control. However, it caused significant decrease (P < 0.05) in plasma glucose concentrations obtained on the 13th through 15th day of administration to the test rabbits. Aqueous extract of T. scleroxylon had hypoglycemic properties but does not contain lethal concentrations of chemical substances capable of adverse interference on the haematological parameters to cause any form of blood disorder.

Key words: Triplochiton scleroxylon, haematological parameters, non-diabetic rabbits.