Hematological and biochemical studies on Parquetina nigrescens root extract in albino rats.

ABSTRACT

The haematological, lipid, and antioxidant effects of Parquetina nigrescens (PN) were investigated. 40 male wistar rats were grouped into 4 of 10 rats each. Group A control; administered 10ml/kg of normal saline. The other groups were administered extract viz Group B- 50mg/kg, Group C- 100mg/kg, Group D- 150mg/kg. After 21days, blood samples were collected for different analysis. The results revealed decreased WBC count at 50 mg/kg &100mg/kg doses (p<0.05), significant increase in RBC, PCV, & haemoglobin levels (p<0.05) at 50mg/kg dose. There was also significant increase (p<0.05) in total cholesterol (TC), LDL with no change in high density lipoprotein (HDL) at 100mg/kg dose while there was significant increase in the mean TC, TG, LDL as well as HDL at 150mg/kg doses. There was also significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of SOD activity at 100mg/kg dose and a significant reduction in the GPx activity (p <0.05) at 50mg/kg & 100mg/kg dose groups. The observations from this study reveal that PN possesses erythropoietic potentials at minimal dose which lends support to its folkric use in the treatment of anaemia. It could also serve as a free radical scavenger as it possesses antioxidant activities. However caution should be taken in its use as it has potentials to increase LDL.