Comparative Study on the Effects of Crude Extracts of <em>Pterocarpus Soyauxii</em> and <em>Telfairia Occidetalis</em> on Haematological Parameters of Albino Rats

Abstract

A comparative study on the effects of crude extracts of pterocarpus soyauxii and Telfairia occidentalis on haematological parameters of albino wistar rats was carried out. Forty nine albino rats of both sexes, weighing between 150 and 250 g were used for the study. The rats were divided into seven groups of seven rats each. Group I rats served as the control and received normal feed and water ad libitum, while groups II - VII were the experimental groups. The extracts were administered to the animals orally for thirty days. Groups II and III rats were given 0.5 and 1.0 ml of the crude extract of Pterocarpus soyauxii respectively. Rats in groups IV and V received 0.5 and 1.0 ml of the crude extract of Telfairia occidentalis respectively, while rats in groups VI and VII received 0.5 and 1.0 ml mixtures of both extracts respectively. Results revealed that Pterocarpus soyauxii significantly increased RBC, HBC, PCV, MCH, MCHC levels (p>0.05) and the levels increased with increasing quantity of the extract. There was a significant increase in WBC as well as other parameters with the administration of Telfairia occidentalis and this continued with increasing doses of the extract. The mixture of both extracts showed a significant increase at a lower dose and no significant difference at higher dose. In conclusion, Pterocarpus soyauxii at lower dosage has haematopoietic potential and could be used in the alleviation of anaemic conditions but not at higher dosage. Telfairia occidentalis on the other hand has haematinic effects at both low and high dosages.

Keywords: Pterocarpus soyauxii, Telfairia occidentalis, vegetables anaemia, haematinics, rats