Methanol Leaf Extract of <i>Clerodendrum violaceum Grüke</i> modulates some haematological indices of mice

Abstract

Clerodendrum violaceum is an indigenous antimalarial remedy; its antimalarial efficacy has been previously authenticated. Haematological indices are usually affected in several disease conditions and can be affected by ingestion of drugs and medicinal plants. This study evaluates the effects of methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum on haematological indices of mice. Six groups (A-F) of ten mice each were used. Groups B, C, D, E and F were administered 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum respectively. Group A received 5% DMSO and served as control. After fourteen days of administration, five animals from each group were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis of haematological indices. Extract administration continued for another fourteen days after which the remaining animals were sacrificed and treated similarly. After 14 days of administration, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count, at all doses (except 500 mg/kg body weight) compared to control. However, extract administration significantly reduced (p<0.05) white blood cell count at 500 mg/kg body weight only; and significantly (p<0.05) increased lymphocytes at all doses compared to control. After twenty-eight days, there was no significant alteration (p>0.05) in all red blood cell indices except red blood cell count and haemoglobin which were significantly reduced (p<0.05) at 500 mg/kg body weight while mean corpuscular volume significantly increased (p<0.05) at the same dose. White blood cell indices were not altered significantly (p>0.05) except lymphocytes which significantly increased (p<0.05) at all doses compared to control. The methanol leaf extract of Clerodendrum violaceum increased red blood cells which may be beneficial in counteracting conditions that predispose to anaemia and hypoxia and increased lymphocytes which can strengthen immunity.