|
Aqueous extract of
Telfairia occidentalis leaves reduces blood sugar and
increases haematological and reproductive indices in male
rats
Toyin M. Salman*, Luqman A. Olayaki and Wahab A. Oyeyemi
Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences,
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
drsalman111@yahoo.com.
Tel: +2348032337422.
Accepted 28
May, 2008 |
|
The
effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Telfairia
Occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) were studied on some
haematological indices, sperm parameters and blood glucose
in male albino rats. The experiment was divided into two
parts. In the first part, twelve (12) male rats were divided
into two groups of six (6) rats each. Group 1 rats served as
control and were given 10 ml/kg of normal saline while the
group 2 rats were treated with 200 mg/kg of the aqueous
extract for two weeks. At the end of the treatment period,
haematological indices (packed cell volume, haemoglobin
concentration, red and white blood cell counts), sperm
parameters (sperm motility, viability and counts) and blood
glucose were determined. In the second part of the
experiment, twenty four (24) male rats were divided into
four (4) groups of six (6) rats each. Group 1 rats served as
control while groups 2, 3 and 4 rats were given 200 mg/kg of
the extract for 5, 7 and 14 days, respectively.
Haematological indices were determined in these rats at the
end of the treatment. The results showed that T.
occidentalis significantly increased all the
haematological indices and sperm parameters. In contrast,
however, the extract significantly reduced the blood glucose
levels. The results also showed that the increase in the
haematological indices started after the seventh day of
treatment. The results suggest that T. occidentalis
could increase haematological indices within seven days. It
could also improve sperm quality and could be a potent
hypoglycemic agent.
Key
words:
Telfairia occidentalis, Haematological indices, blood
glucose, sperm quality, rats. |
