Author :
Eze Blessing Chiamaka, Ezejindu Damian Nnabuihe, Ogbodo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Ezeugwunne Ifeoma Priscilla, Amah Akuma Kalu, Agada Uchechukwu Nelson, Onuora Ifeoma Joy, Obi-Ezeani Chikaodili Nwando, Egwuatu Francis Onyedika, Odumodu Ifeakandu Onyedika
Volume :
5
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) has been shown to contain bioactive substances which may possess medicinal potentials. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Telfaira occidentalis on the levels of packed cell volume, Hemoglobin, Red blood cell and White blood cell in wistar rats. A total of sixteen female rats weighing between 140-240g were divided into four groups (1-4) comprising of four (4) rats each. Group 1 (control), received normal rat feed with water only, while group 2-4 were administered with 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis orally for 28days respectively. Thereafter, blood samples from the experimental animals were assayed for the packed cell volume (PCV), Hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC) and White blood cell (WBC) concentrations using Mythic 22 automated hematology analyzer. The result indicates that the concentrations of blood indices of the rats in the experimental groups were significantly increased than in the control in each case (pTelfairia occidentalis may be useful as an acceptable blood booster in an anaemic condition as it possess haematinic properties.
Keyword :
Telfairia occidentalis, Packed cell volume, Hemoglobin, White blood cell, Red blood cell, Haematinic properties.