Some hematological parameters of Wistar rats treated with Chromolaena odorata leave extracts

This study was designed to investigate the effects of the different extracts of Chromolaena odorata leave on the hematopoietic system of Wistar rats. Solvent extraction was used for the ethanol and aqueous extractions while decoction method was used for the crude extraction. Fifty Wistar rats of both sexes weighing 140-180 g were used for this study. They were divided into ten groups each containing five rats. The animals were fed the extracts by oral gavage once daily for 21 days. Blood sample was collected via cardiac artery. Hematological parameters were analyzed using automation method. The ethanol extract gave the highest extract yield. The aqueous, ethanol and crude extraction had median lethal toxicity (LD 50 ) of 2738.6 mg/kg, 1581.1 mg/kg and 224.7 mg/kg, respectively. Significant difference (P<0.05) in the total white blood cell count was observed in the 75 mg/kg ethanol and 300 mg/kg crude extracts when compared with control group. Significant difference (P<0.05) in the hemoglobin concentration was observed in the 150 mg/kg ethanol extracts when compared with the control group. Significant difference (P<0.05) in the packed cell volume was seen in the 75 mg/kg aqueous, 150 mg/kg aqueous and 75 mg/kg ethanol extracts in respect to the control group. The mean cell volume, the mean platelet volume and platelet large cell ratio of the 75 mg/kg aqueous extract were significantly different (P<0.05) when compared with the control group. The present study showed possible treatment-induced hematopoietic function of C. odorata leave extracts.