Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica on insect repellent-induced injury in the lungs of adult Wistar rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Mimosa pudica in the lungs of adult Wistar rats exposed to insect-repellent mist. 30 adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups; group A-E comprising of 6 rats per group. Group A rats were placed on rat food and water only. Group B rats were exposed to insect repellant only via inhalation. Group C rats were given Mimosa pudica extract orally at 500mg/Kg body weight per day (BWT/D) and Group D rats were exposed to Mosquito repellent and received low dose of the plant extract at (250mg/kg BWT/D) and Group E rats were exposed to mosquito repellent and received (500mg/kg BWT/D) of extract. The dosages were given for 30 consecutive days via orogastric method. There was significant increase in body weight in all treated groups. The haematological outcome showed that insect repellent caused some derangements in haematological parameters especially haematocrit, plateletcrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Histologically, Group D showed an expanded lumen of the bronchioles and shrunken activated immune system. Group E showed a more activated immune system and contracted bronchial artery. Mosquito repellant induced vascular ulceration, bronchiolar mucosal ulceration and activated lymphoid tissue in Group B. These effects were reversed by Mimosa pudica leaf extract. In conclusion, Mimosa pudica had ameliorative effect against mosquito repellant induced injury in the lungs.