The Effect of Extracts of Raphia Vinifera Fruit Mesocarp on The Hematological Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at determining the effect of methanol and ethanol extracts of Raphia vinifera fruit mesocarp on the hematological parameters of Wistar albino rats. Twenty one (21) healthy male Wistar rats (166-274g) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=3) thus: control, methanol and ethanol groups with 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 1000mg/kg dosages. Both methanol and ethanol groups were treated with daily oral administration of 0.1ml of the extracts for 14 days. Blood samples were collected from each animal through cardiac puncture for hematological analysis. In red blood cell indices, the mean values of RBC, HGB, HCT, RDW-CV and RDW-SD of both methanol and ethanol extracts shows higher values than the control. Meanwhile, MCV, MCH and MCHC of the ethanol extract increased when compared to control. White blood cell indices result shows higher values of GRA in methanol and ethanol extracts compared to the control, and WBC, LYM and MON shows increase in 1000mg/kg of ethanol extracts compared to control. In platelet indices, there was an increase in methanol and ethanol extracts of the plant comparing with the control on PLT count, PCT, PDW. Also, MPV and P-LCR exhibited higher counts of 100mg/kg ethanol extract. In conclusion, methanol and ethanol extracts of Raphia vinifera fruit mesocarp shows increased in red blood cell and platelet indices counts while ethanol extract shows increased in white blood cell indices counts compared to the control. In methanol extracts 50mg/kg dose exhibited better count than other doses, while ethanol extracts, 50mg/kg exhibited better counts in RBC indices, 1000mg/kg in WBC and 100mg/kg in platelet indices. In comparison, ethanol extract exhibited better counts than methanol extract. We therefore recommend that R. vinifera fruit mesocarp should be consumed in moderate quantities for hematological benefits.

KEYWORDS: Raphia vinifera, Extracts, Hematological parameters, Red blood cell, platelet, white blood cell