Hematological Variation in Female Wistar Rats Treated with Aqueous Extract of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit

Abstract

Xylopia Aethiopica which belongs to the family of Annonceae   is a broad-spectrum medicinal plant that has received worldwide recognition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of consumption of aqueous extract of Xylopia Aethiopica on some hematological parameters in female wistar rats. Results obtained showed that there was no significant change (P> 0.05) in RBC, monocyte, hemoglobin, PCV, granulocyte and lymphocyte at 100mg/kg dose. There was also no significant change (P>0.05) in RBC, hemoglobin, PCV, lymphocyte, monocyte and granulocyte at 200mg/kg dose. Also, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in platelet at 100mg/kg dose and a significant increase (p<0.05) in platelet at 200mg/kg dose.  In conclusion, the administration of aqueous extract Xylopia Aethiopica at high doses (200mg/kg) over a period of four weeks in female wistar rats significantly increase in platelet count. Thus, suggesting while the fruit may have been useful in traditional medicine to arrest bleeding.