ABSTRACT
Aims: To investigate the effect of Carica papaya leaves on some haematological parameters (PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC and differential blood counts) were investigated. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa-State, Nigeria, between. Methods: Thirty male albino rats were randomly allotted to five groups of six rats per group. Haemoglobin (Hb) was determined spectrophotometrically by the cyanomethaemoglobin method, Red blood cells (RBC), was estimated by haemocytometer, using adopted standard procedure. Group1 (negative control) were fed with 100% rat feed. Groups 2- 4 were pretreated with 10, 30 and 50% C. papaya L respectively, while Group 5 (normal control) received 100% rat feed. Rats in groups (1-4), were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg body weight in 0.5 ml olive oil) on the 29th day while rats in group 5 were not administered with CCl4 (normal control). Results: The results were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were significant increases (p≤ 0.05) in the levels of Hb, PCV, RBC, lymphocytes and decreased WBC and neutrophils in rats in group 5 (normal control) as against the negative control (group 1). Rats groups pretreated with 10, 30 and 50% Carica papaya (groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively), showed significant increased (p≤ 0.05) PCV, RBC and Hb levels, when compared with untreated rats (group 1). Rats that were administered with CCl4 only (negative control), showed significant increases (p≤ 0.05) in the levels of WBC and neutrophils. However, incorporation of 10, 30 and 50% Carica papaya in groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively, significantly decreased the levels of WBC and neutrophils, when compared with rats in untreated group 1. Monocytes levels significantly increased (p≤ 0.05) in rats pre-treated with 30% and 50% Carica papaya (groups 3 and 4 respectively). While, there was zero level of basophils in all the groups. Conclusion: Carica papaya L, may therefore possess and confer erythropoietic properties on rats pretreated groups as evident in the increased levels of Hb, PCV, RBC and lymphocytes.