Haematological profile in salt loaded experimental rabbits treated with ethanol extract of <i>Acalypha wilkesiana</i> leaves

Abstract

This study evaluates the haematological profile of salt loaded rabbits treated with Acalypha wilkesiana  ethanolic leaf extract. Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into four groups (A - D) of six animals each. Group A-C were fed salt-loaded diet for 35 days, subsequently group B were treated with extract for 7 days. Group C  received the salt-loaded diet until nd the 42 day, while group A received normal feed in place of salt-loaded diet for 7 days. Group D were fed normal feed only. Blood was collected on days 35 and 42 for analysis. There was significant (p < 0.05) increases in total white cell count and neutrophil count, significant (p < 0.05) decreases  in lymphocyte count, monocytes count (MC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular  haemoglobin concentration and platelets count. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HC), red cell count, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Administration of extract at 250 mg/kg body weight, caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in PCV, MC, HC, and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in MCV. Acalypha wilkesiana may be safe, as its administration did not trigger immune response in the animals.