Haematological profile in salt loaded experimental rabbits treated with ethanol extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves

Abstract

This study evaluates the haematological profile of salt loaded rabbits treated with Acalypha wilkesiana  ethanolic leaf extract. Twenty-four rabbits were randomized into four groups (A - D) of six animals each. Group A-C were fed salt-loaded diet for 35 days, subsequently group B were treated with extract for 7 days. Group C  received the salt-loaded diet until nd the 42 day, while group A received normal feed in place of salt-loaded diet for 7 days. Group D were fed normal feed only. Blood was collected on days 35 and 42 for analysis. There was significant (p < 0.05) increases in total white cell count and neutrophil count, significant (p < 0.05) decreases  in lymphocyte count, monocytes count (MC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular  haemoglobin concentration and platelets count. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect in packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HC), red cell count, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Administration of extract at 250 mg/kg body weight, caused significant (p < 0.05) increases in PCV, MC, HC, and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in MCV. Acalypha wilkesiana may be safe, as its administration did not trigger immune response in the animals.