Determination of Impact of Acute and Chronic Administration of Aqueous Root Extract of <i>E. Tremula</i> (<i>Burburwa</i>) on some Haematological parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Eragrostis tremula (Burburwa) is an herbal plant native to tropical Africa, India and Myanmar. It is found in sandy soils and abandoned cultivations. It is used locally for sweeping, used as fodder for cattle and extensively being used in traditional medicine practice without assessing its safety. This study investigated the impact on blood cells (WBCs) on chronic/acute use of aqueous root extract of Eragrostis tremula among males/females wistar rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrate, phenols, saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and diterpene. Lorke's method was used for oral acute toxicity study (LD50 determination). A total of 20 wistar rats were used, divided into four groups of five rats each. Group I was control and administered with distilled water, Group II, Group III and Group IV were respectively administered with 200 mg, 400 mg and 800 mg of the extract per kilogram body weight, for 21 days. The result of acute oral toxicity study was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Total and differential (neutrophil, lymphocyte, and mixed cells) leukocyte counts were analysed. Eragrostis tremula aqueous root extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts, but no significant changes (p>0.05) were observed in neutrophil and mixed cells count when the treated groups were compared with the control group. In conclusion, the findings of the present study have shown that, aqueous root extract of Eragrostis tremula has impact on lymphocyte and total leukocyte count in the wistar rats which is dependent on dose of the extract. The extract at high doses increases the lymphocyte and total leukocyte counts of the treated groups.