Haematological and Toxicological Investigation of Ethanol Extract of Telferia Occidentalis Using Some Enzymes as Biochemical Markers in Wistar Rats

 

Igwe KK, Udeh NE, Madubuike AJ, Egwu LU, Achi NK, Edet UE, Ifenkwe DC
 

Full Length Research Paper I Published August, 2019

 

Journal of Medical and Biological Science Research Vol. 5 (1), pp. 4-9.

 

ABSTRACT

Leaves of Telferia occidentalis plant was investigated for toxic and haematological potentials using some serum enzymes as biochemical markers in Wistar rats. Sixteen rats were used for the investigation and were grouped into four group of four rats each. Group 1 was the control group and received distilled water. Group 2, 3 and 4 were the treatment groups which received 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. The rats were dosed for 14 days, thereafter were sacrificed by cardiac puncture and blood collected for analysis. Enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and haematological tests were used to determine AST, ALT, ALP and haematological results respectively. Results of the treatment groups (2 ,3 ,and  4) were compared with the control (Group 1). All results were compared with the highest dose of the extract as the response increased or decreased as the doses increased to 400 mg/kg body weight. The statistical confidence was set at 95% (p<0.05).  PCV, RBC, Hb,WBC statistically decreased when compared with the control. MCV, MCH was elevated with reduced MCHC. Differential leucocyte count showed lymphocytosis, neutropaenia, eosinopaenia, monocytopaenia but no significant change in the basophils counted. ALT, AST, ALP was elevated. Albumin, Total protein, K⁺, Na⁺ was also elevated. There was no significant increase in Urea and Creatinine level, indicating kidney safety. Thus the extract caused reduction in haematological parameters (anaemia) and increased biochemical serum markers suggesting hepatocyte damage.

Key words: Toxicity, Telferia occidentalis, Haematology, Serum enzyme, ELISA.

Full Text-PDF