Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Extract on some of the Haematological Parameters in Wistar Rats

This study investigated some haematological parameters of Wistar rats using Vernonia amygdalina extract. The dried leaves of the plant species were extracted and put in 80% Volume/volume butanol dehydrogenase (V/V; BDH) ethanol. Thirty (30) Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Group I served as control and feed with normal food and water. Groups II & III were served as test groups and were administered with VA100 mg/kg and VA300 mg/kg, orally once daily for 28 days. Five (5) animals were sacrificed from each group on the 14th and 28th day. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for analyzing hematological parameters. It was observed that (RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC) showed non-significant (p>0.05) changes on the 14th day. However, these showed a dose – dependent significant (p<0.05) decrease on day 28. There was a dose – dependent significant increase (p<0.05) in WBC and Lymphocyte; while neutrophils count decreased significantly (p<0.05) with dose dependent manner. Serum platelet level decreased significantly (p<0.05) if the level of dose increases. These findings revealed that V. amygdalina may have a possible potential to inhibit erythropoietin release or action and may strengthen the immunity. The observed reduced level of neutrophil count may be one of the reasons for the benign ethnic neutropenia which is seen in Africans. However, the study helps to conclude the anti inflammatory and potential effects of bitter leaf. This particular study also depicts that, ethanolic leaf extract of V. amygdalinamay cause anaemia especially at prolonged exposure.