Full Length Research Paper

Effects of the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Calotropis procera on haematological and biochemical parameters in female rabbits

Jato Denis Mbako¹, Zainab Adamu², Jacob Kotei Afutu³, Atiku Aliyu⁴, Shamaki David⁴, M. B. Umar⁵, Chudy Nduaka⁶

¹Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Yaounde, Cameroon.

²Department of Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

³Department of Animal Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

⁴Biochemistry Department, National Veterinary Research Institute – NVRI Vom, Nigeria.

⁵Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

⁶Pfizer Inc, Groton, Mystic CT., U.S.A.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: denison767@yahoo.co.uk. Tel.: +237 77769371.

Accepted 1 June, 2009

   Abstract

Calotropis procera has been reported to be medicinal and toxic in animals. A toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of its fresh leaves was conducted in female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Low levels of phytochemicals (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids) were found while 0.23, 0.03, 0.82 and 9.5 mg/g of iron, lead, sodium and potassium, respectively, were detected. Acute toxicity study was conducted with oral administration of 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of the extract once to groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. Four rabbits died within 24 h and LD₅₀ was estimated (940 mg/kg). 80, 40 and 20 mg/kg of the extract were administered daily to groups I, II, and III, respectively, during sub-acute toxicity study for 14 days. All controls were given water. Statistical analysis of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin and protein showed no significant changes at P<0.05. Changes in packed cell volume, white blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets, and differential leucocyte count (lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, heterophils/neutrophils and basophils) were equally statistically not significant at P<0.05. It is concluded that the extract had no statistical significance on blood parameters when administered orally at tolerable doses since the values were in the range of control values.

Key words: Calotropis procera, phytochemical, toxicity, haematology, protein and serum enzymes.