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Evaluation of haemopoietic properties of aqueous extract of <i>mucuna pruriens</i> leaf in albino rats


JO Ogamba
NA Eze
SE Ogamba
KC Chilaka

Abstract

The leaf of Mucuna pruriens has been used in folk-medicine in the treatment of various diseases in the tropical countries. This preliminary study
was to investigate the Heamatological properties of the aqueous extract of Mucuna pruriens leaf in adult albino rats. The leaves of Mucuna
pruriens were harvested, dried and pulverized. 65g of the powered leaves was soaked in 1 litre of water for 24 hours. The phytochemical
analysis was carried out using standard method. Acute toxicity test (LD50) of the extract was determined in albino mice intraperitonally using
Locke Dietrich method. Different concentrations of the extract were prepared and administered orally to grouped animals and ferrous sulphate
was used as a positive control and the haematological effects in the animals measured. The extract produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in
haematological parameters which were concentration dependent. It may be concluded that the plant leaf is a potential blood tonic and may be
used in the treatment of anaemia.

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eISSN: 1119-0388