Potential haematopoietic properties of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla in Wistar rats

Abstract

Numerous medicinal properties have been attributed to the seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla (P. macrophylla) whereas its haematological properties have received little attention. This study was designed to evaluate the haematopoietic effects of crude methanolic seed extract of P. macrophylla in wistar rats. Thirty Wistar rats in five groups, labeled A to E were acclimatized for two weeks and used for this study. Groups A to D were administered orally with graded-doses of crude methanolic extract of P. macrophylla seeds (100, 200, 300 and 400) mg/kg body weight respectively for 28 days whereas Group E served as control. Blood sample was collected and haematological parameters were determined. Extracts of P. macrophylla significantly (p<0.05) increased the Hb, Hct, RBC and TWBC in a dose-dependent pattern in the treated groups compared to the control. The platelet count was however decreased in the treated groups compared with the control, although not in a dose-dependent pattern, with Group D having the least count (p<0.05). Thin blood films of the treated groups revealed normocytic and normochromic red blood cells and relative lymphocytosis. Administration of crude methanolic seed extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla demonstrated dosage-dependent significant increase in some haematological variables, while decreasing platelet count. This study suggests that the seed extract may possess haematopoietic, antimicrobial and immunity boosting potentials, and could be developed for future clinical use in managing blood-related conditions.

Keywords: Graded-doses; Oral administration; Pentaclethra macrophylla