RESUMEN
Preliminary studies showed that the crude extract from viscum album leaves had an LD50 value of 420.70mg/kg mice. Thirty-six male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 6 rats per group. The groups were: Group 1; the normal rats (controls) were fed with normal rat chow and given water ad libitum. Group 2; consisted of normal rats administered with the extract. Group 3; the salt-induced hypertensive group consisted of hypertensive rats that did not receive extract treatment. Group 4; the salt-induced hypertensives that received extract treatment. Group 5; the alloxan-induced diabetics that were not treated with the extract; and group 6; the alloxan-induced diabetics that received extract treatment. Treatments were by daily administration of the extract (150mg/kg; oral); for six weeks after which the animals in each group were sacrificed and blood samples collected in heparinized tubes for counting using an electronic cell counter (ADVIA TM 60 Haematology system by Bayer). Results showed significant increase in the RBC counts; PCV