Effect of Aqueous Extract of Euphorbia hirta on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

An oral toxicity assessment of the aqueous extract of the whole plant of Euphorbia hirta selected for use in animal healthcare in Ghana was carried out in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. The extract was administered at a dose rate of 500 - 2000mg/kg per os for 14 days. At the end of the period, blood samples were collected by jugular veno-puncture for haematological and biochemical analysis to assess liver and kidney function. Significant (P < 0.01) decreases occurred in the values of red blood cell (RBC) counts of the groups receiving 1000mg/kg and 2000mg/kg of the extract. Consequently haemoglobin concentrations also decreased significantly (P < 0.001) compared with the control. The haematocrit (HCT) value of these groups also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) below that of the control. Biochemical studies did not suggest any malfunction or abnormality of the renal or hepato-biliary systems. The present results indicate that aqueous extract of the whole plant of E. hirta up to a dose of 500mg/kg orally is generally safe. This finding perhaps justifies the widespread use of the plant in the treatment of several diseases all over the world and may also be used for the treatment of diseases in animals. However, caution should be taken with doses > 500mg/kg as these may induce anaemia.

Keywords: Aqueous extract, toxicity, rats, Euphorbia hirta.