Effect of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract on some haematological indices in Wistar rats.

Abstract

The use of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in the treatment of virtually all ailments calls for further research to support the claim for its ability to boost blood. Thirty six albino rats of the Wistar strain weighing 200-230g were sorted into groups according to their weights and sex. The animals were divided into two groups, male and female. Three (3) test groups (1%, 5%, and 10% w/w) for the males containing five (5) animals each and a control group, for the females, three (3) test groups (1%, 5%, and 10% w/w) and control group with four (4) animals each. The result of haematological indices in female Wistar rats administered aqueous extract of M. oleifera shows that Hb count generally increased significantly in all the groups compared with their control group. Similarly, PCV and WBC generally increased in all the groups, this increase was significant for WBC in all the groups. RBC values showed a non-significant (p>0.05) value at 1% treated group but a significant increases (p<0.05) were obtained in the 5% and 10% treated groups. In the male animals, the result showed that hemoglobin count (Hb) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the group that was given 1% M. oleifera compared with the control group while there was a non-significant (p>0.05) increase Hb count in the 5% treated group. Generally, PCV count shows a dose dependent increase with 10% having the highest PCV count when compared with the control. Similarly, the WBC count also shows a dose dependent increase when compared with the control. RBC count showed a general decrease in all the exposed groups compared with their relative control. In conclusion, M. oleifera may increase PCV, HB and RBC counts, its use must be well regulated because of the fact that it increases WBC count, a possible toxicological response.

Key words: haematology, Moringa oleifera, toxicological response, haemoglobin,