Possible effects of aqueous extracts of Newbouldia laevis on haematological and cardiac histoarchitecture in mercury chloride induced Wistar rats.

Abstract

The present study investigated the possible effects of Newbouldia laevis on mercury induced toxicity on the haematological parameters and cardiac architecture of adult Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (A-E). All rats had free access to feed and water. Group A served as the normal control. Group B was administered mercury chloride (10 mg/kg body weight) and a low dose (200 mg/kg body weight) of the extract. Group C was also given mercury chloride (10 mg/kg body weight) and a medium dose (400 mg/kg body weight) of the extract. Group D received mercury chloride (10 mg/kg body weight) as well as a high dose of Newbouldia laevis (800 mg/kg body weight), Group E received mercury chloride (10 mg/kg body weight) only. Extract was administered daily for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were obtained through cardiac puncture for haematological assay. The heart tissue was also harvested for histological evaluation. Gross morphological changes such as vascular cardiac hypertrophy and perivascular infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in the untreated animals. Treatment with extracts of Newbouldia laevis restored the alterations recorded in some haematological parameters (red blood cell count, platelets, mean platelet volume) when compared with the untreated animals. The study has therefore shown that extract of Newbouldia laevis can be used to reduce some of the harmful effects from Mercury toxicity.