Methanol extract of Monodora myristica seeds ameliorates lead acetate-induced leucocytosis and hematological alterations

Abstract

Lead acetate (PbAc) exposure-induced leucocytosis and haematological alterations are responses to stress or inflammation. The present  study investigates the phytochemical properties of Monodora myristica seed (MMS) and its ameliorative potentials on PbAc-induced  leucocytosis and haematological alterations. The methanol extract of MMS was obtained by maceration extraction and characterized  using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-six (36) male Wistar rats (180-200g) were grouped as: control (given  distilled water), positive control (exposed to PbAc; intraperitoneal injection of 15mg/kg, once per week for 8 weeks), normal rats treated  with 200 or 400mg/kg of MMS, and PbAc-exposed rats treated with 200 or 400mg/kg of MMS. Treatments were given orally and lasted for  56 days. Phytochemical analysis was done on the extract. At the end of administration, blood sample was collected by cardiac  puncture for full blood count using haematology auto analyser. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test with GraphPad prism and mean differences between groups were considered significant at P<0.05. Qualitative  phytochemical analysis revealed various secondary metabolites like flavonoids, alkaloid, saponins, sterol, tannins and glycosides. GC-MS  analysis of the seed extract revealed 23 compounds. There was a significant dose dependent decreased in WBC, Neutrophil and Lymphocyte count in the MMS co-treated groups compared to PbAc group. RBC, haemoglobin and haematocrit values were significantly  increased in a dose dependent manner in MMS co-treated groups compared to PbAc group. The presence of antioxidant and anti- inflammatory agents in the extract may be responsible for the ameliorative actions observed against PbAc-induced leucocytosis and  haematological changes.