ABSTRACT
The protective effects of the leaf powder of Picralima nitida in male rats were evaluated to establish its haematopoietic potential. To achieve this, albino rats (n = 30), weighing 120 - 160g were grouped into 5, labelled A to E. Groups C and D were intraperitoneally induced for anaemia with 0.1mg/kg body weight (b.wt) of phenyl hydrazine for 7 day. Groups A and B and C and D orally received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt of Picralima nitida leaf extract respectively for 14 days. Group E served as the control. Blood sample (5.0ml) was collected from each rat on days 8 and 15 and dispensed into ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid containers for haemogram using haematology auto analyser. The result showed that on day 8, Picralima nitida leaf extract produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) when compared with the control. On day 15, Picralima nitida leaf extract produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in the red blood cell (RBC), Hb and Hct when compared with the experimental control. The results indicate time-dependent haematopoiesis.
