Effects of Crude Extracts of Portulaca oleracea on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Albino Rats

Abstract

The effects of oral administration of aqueous (AEPO) and methanolic (MEPO) extracts of Portulaca oleracea at various doses (25mg/kg BW, 50mg/kgBW and 75mg/kgBW) on haematological and plasma biochemical parameters of albino rats were investigated. The extracts were administered on daily basis for 30 days and blood samples for analyses were collected on days 15 and 30. Rats treated with 25mg/kg BW AEPO for 15 days showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in WBC and neutrophil counts and a significant increase in lymphocyte counts. Treatment of rats with 25mg/kg BW AEPO for 15 days caused significant (P<0.05) decrease and increase in the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts respectively. Treatment with 25mg/kg MEPO for 15 days caused significant (P<0.05) increase in both the MCV and MCH. However, the administration of AEPO and MEPO at all the treatment doses for 30 days produced no significant (P>0.05) change in all the haematological parameters. Treatment of rats with 25mg/kg AEPO for 15 days caused significant (P<0.05) increase and decrease in the albumin and globulin levels respectively. There were significant reductions in the values of total protein, albumin and globulin of rats treated with 25mg/kg BW of AEPO and 75mg/kg BW of MEPO at 30 days treatment. The administration of all the treatment doses for 15 and 30 produced no significant (P>0.05) change in the activities of AST and ALT. These findings on haematological and biochemical parameters suggest that the possible changes in blood chemistry of the treated rats were due to the extracts of Portulaca oleracea.

Key words: Portulaca oleracea, haematological parameters, biochemical parameters, albino rats