Effects of tahitian noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice on some hematological and biochemical parameters of male albino wistar rats

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of Tahitian Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice on some hematological and biochemical parameters of male albino wistar rats. Forty rats weighing between 150 and 200 g, divided into two groups (test and control) of 20 each were used. Each rat in the test group received 2 ml of noni juice orally, while those in the control group received normal saline, daily for 42 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment and analyzed for red blood cell counts (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell counts (WBC), platelet count (PLT), hemoglobin concentration (HCB) and lymphocyte counts, sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride. The results showed significant increases in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, lymphocytes count, platelet count and sodium ion concentration (p< 0.05) in the test group compared to the control. It also showed that calcium ion concentration was significantly lower in the test group compared to the control (p<0.05). In conclusion, Tahitian noni juice may have positive hematopoietic effects on male albino wistar rats.

Keywords: Tahitian noni, Morinda citrifolia, hematological, biochemical parameters, albino rats

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(3): 377-381, 2010