Effect of Ethylacetate extract of Cassytha filiformis leaves on haematological variables in rats.

Abstract

Ethylacetate extract of Cassytha filiformis leaves were evaluated for phytochemical components, acute and subchronic toxicity studies using standard methods. Carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, sterols, balsams, terpenes, resins, alkaloids, and volatile oils were detected in the ethhylacetate leaf extract of C. filiformis. Tannins, phlobotannins, and anthraquinone were not detected in the extract. The oral LD50 of the extract in mice was above 5000mg/kgbw. Oral administration of the extract for 28 days to albino rats did not cause any variation in haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) when compared with the control group that were administered normal saline. The extract at 250mg/kgbw significantly (P<0.05) elevated the PCV level while 1000mg/kgbw of the extract reduced the PCV level. The WBC counts of rats were dose dependently increased. Red blood cell (RBC) counts was significantly elevated in rats. Mean cell volume (MCV) level was significantly reduced in rats fed with 1000mg/kgbw of the extract when compared with the control. Platelet counts were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in rats administered 500mg/kgbw and 1000mg/kgbw of the extract. Lymphocyte counts were significantly (P<0.05) elevated when compared with the control. Neutrophil counts were significantly reduced in all the animals exposed to different doses of the extract when compared to the control. The results of this study suggest that ethylacetate leaf extract of C. filiformis may contain biological active principles that have the ability to boost the immune system through increasing the population of defensive white blood cells although it possibly possesses adverse effect on platelets and neutrophil levels.