Effects of Zidovudine, Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>Gongronema latifolia</i> and their Combination on some Haematological Indices of Wistar Rats

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the ethanolic leaf extract of   Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) and Zidovudine as well as their combination on some haematological parameters was  evaluated. Sixteen (16) Wistar rats were divided into four (4)  groups of 4 rats each. The control group (Group A) were given  food and water only while the test groups (B, C and D)  received 0.05 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract and 0.04 mg/kg body weight of zidovudine, 0.05 mg/kg body weight of extract only, and 0.04 mg/kg body weight of zidovudine only,  respectively. The result showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in Red blood cell (RBC) count from 9.98±1.41 in group A to 8.02 ± 0.58,  7.88±0.26 and 7.45±2.74 in groups B, C and D respectively. The white blood cell count (WBC) increased significantly (P<0.05) from 8.03 ±  2.19 in Group A to 10.55 ± 0.78, 16.68 ± 1.74, and 11.06 ± 2.38 in Groups B, C and D respectively. There was a non-significant (P>0.05)  decrease in Packed cell volume (PCV) from 39.00 ± 1.15, in Group A to: 38.50 ± 8.54, 38.00± 4.51 and 37.25 ± 2.34 in Groups, B, C and D  respectively. For haemoglobin concentration (Hb) there was no significant (P>0.05) difference between groups A and D, however there  was significant (P<0.05) increase in Groups B and C when compared to the control as can be seen from the result; 12.97 ± 0.90, 14.20±1.41,  14.03±0.52 and 12.50 ± 0.92 for A, B, C and D respectively. For neutrophil count, we observed a significant (P<0.05) increase in  all the treated groups when compared with the control; 5.67 ± 2-32, 18.95 ± 6.13, 23.43±5.83 and 13.50 ± 7.47, for groups A, B, C and D  respectively. For lymphocyte count, there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in all the groups as compared to the control; 92-00 ± 1.93,  72.45 ± 8.97, 70.85 ± 5.83 and 83.93 ± 5.78 for Groups A, B, C and D respectively. The result showed that Gongronema latifolium leaf ameliorated the harzadous impact of zidovudine on white blood cells, haemoglobin and neutrophil count but did not improve the PCV  and RBC of treated animals. It’s inclusion in meals may also compromise the immune system.