Effects Of Methanol Extract Of Dennettia Tripetala (Pepper Fruit) Fresh Leaves On Haematological Parameters In Male Albino Rats:- Ubah, Franklin C

ABSTRACT x The effect of oral administration of methanol crude extract of Dennettia tripetala fresh leaves on haematological parameters in albino rats was investigated. Twenty (20) male albino rats weighing between 150 - 200g were used for the study and randomly assigned into four study groups of five animals each. The group 1 control received via oral route a placebo (normal saline), while test groups 2, 3 and 4 received 1 OOmg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight respectively ofD. tripetala extract. The administration of methanol extract of D. tripetala for 21 days produced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in red blood cell (RBC) counts in group 2 and 3 when compared to group 1 (control) but the increase in white blood cell (WBC) counts in group 3 and 4 when compared to group 1. There was significant decrease in Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration in groups 2, 3 and 4 when compared to control. The differential WBC results showed no significant decrease (P > 0.05) in neutrophil count in all the experimental groups when compared to group 1. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in eosinophil count in all groups when compared to the control group. From the results, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in lymphocyte count in all the experimented groups when compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in basophils and monocytes counts in all the experimental groups when compared to the control group. The study shows that D. tripetala extract, given at moderate to high doses may be necessary for the immune system as they defend the body against infections and diseases as seen in white blood cell counts. Also, administration oflow doses ofthe extract could lead to anemia and other health complications.