Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Erythrina Senegalensis on the Haematological Indices and Histology of the Spleen of Albino Rats

Abstract

The leaf of Erythrina Senegalensis is very popular in management of different diseases in South Eastern Nigeria because it offers inexpensive, readily available and effective approach to treatment, yet scientific validation of this pharmacological activity, its effect on different organs and uses has not been done. The study aimed to investigate the subchronic effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of Erythrina senegalensis on the haematological indices and the histology of an albino rats. Fresh mature leaf samples of E. senegalensis were collected, ethanolic extract was prepared and the effect of sub-chronic oral administration of the leaf extract of E. senegalensis was studied using twenty-five albino wistar rats. The oral administration of the leaf extract was done four times per week, for 60 days at doses of 2000mg/kg for group 1, 4000mg/kg for group 2, 6000mg/kg for group 3, 8000mg/kg body weight for group 4 and group 5 is the control group, received distilled water and food alone. The rats were anaesthetised by chloroform in a close jar and blood samples were collected for haematological analysis, experimental rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the spleen harvested. The haematological profile of treated rats showed significant difference in PCV, ESR, MCHC, MCH, WBC, platelets, HB, lymphocyte count and neutrophil count (p<0.05) when compared with control group. Also, the result of the Histopathological analysis of the liver showed no alteration on the spleen architecture of low dose group and high dose groups and this may suggest that the leaf extract of Erythrina senegalensis may not be considered toxic on spleen architecture and haematological indices when consumed for long period of time in treatment of diseases.