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Full Length
Research Paper
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Effects of the aqueous fruit extract of Solanum
macrocarpum Linn on the hematological parameters of
triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats
O. A.
Sodipo1*, F. I. Abdulrahman2, U. K.
Sandabe3 and J. A. Akinniyi2
1Department
of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of
Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069
Maiduguri, Nigeria.
2Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri,
Maiduguri, Nigeria.
3Department
of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, P.
M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
[email protected]. Tel: +234(0)8034107098.
Accepted 12 May, 2011 |
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Abstract |
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The dried and pulverized unripe fruit of
Salanum macrocarpum (Solanaceae) was soxlet-extracted
with distilled water. Studies were then
undertaken on the effect of the aqueous extract
on haematological parameters and the leukocytic
response on triton-induced hyperlipidemic rats.
Graded doses (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg weight,
bw) of the extract were administered
intraperitoneally (i.p.) to different groups of
hyperlipidemic rats for 7 days. Significant dose
dependent increases (P<0.05) in the levels of
hemoglobin (Hb) erythrocyte count (RBC) mean
cell volume (MCV) and white blood cell count
(WBC) were observed. However, the changes in the
packed cell volume (PCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH)
and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The
lymphocyte count increased with increase in
extract dose, but was only significant (P<0.05)
at 72 h when compared to the control. The
neutrophil count slightly increased with
increase in extract dose and was significant
(P<0.05) at 48 and 72 h of study. The changes in
the eoisinophile, monocyte and basophil counts
were not significant (P>0.05). The improved
hematological parameters (Hb, RBC and MCV)
probably imply a beneficial effect, suggesting
that the plant could probably be used as an
antianaemic agent. The leuckocytosis seen is
probably due to the increased lymphocyte count
observed. The lymphocytosis and neutrophilia in
the treated rats suggest immunostimulation on
the hyperlipidaemic rats.
Key words:
Solanum macrocarpum, hematological parameters,
hyperlipidemia, differential leukocyte count, triton. |
