Effects Of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> On The Heamatological Parameters, Liver And Spleen Of Pregnant Wistar Rats

Abstract

Telfairia occidentalis is a dioecious perennial vine widely used for its medicinal and dietary benefits. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of T. occidentalis on haematological parameters of pregnant rats following oral administration, as well as its effects on the liver and spleen of these rats. Fifteen pregnant Wistar rats weighing between 110-130 g were used for the study. The rats were divided into 3 groups: Group A was the control, Group B was the treatment group given T. occidentalis twice daily for 4 days, while Group C received the extract twice daily for 10 days. Findings showed increase size in hepatocytes of the treated groups and increase in the trabeculae and white pulp of the treated group non-statistically significant increases in haematological parameters (RBC, PCV haemoglobin level and lymphocyte count) of treated animals. These increases in blood parameters observed in this study were not as pronounced as those obtainable in non-pregnant and male rats.

Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, haematlogical parameters, cytoarchitecture, liver, spleen.