Determination of Hematological Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of S. incanum in Normal Mice

Abstract

Medicinal plants and herbs have been used for ages for the purposes of enhancing and maintaining health and organic resistance against body infection. This is due to their ready availability and arguably efficacious state, therefore offering an alternative remedy in enhancing hematological parameters. Various chemical constituents of Solanum incanum (Linn) are believed to possess therapeutic effects on hematological parameters, but these effects have not been subjected to systematic scientific studies to substantiate and ascertain the therapeutic claims made regarding their clinical utility. This study investigates the hematological effects of S. incanum (Linn) in normal mice. The experimental mice groups were treated with methanolic seed extracts of S. incanum (Linn) at concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg orally once per two days for a period of fourteen days. Hematological parameters and indices of unclotted blood were determined using standard protocols. Phytochemicals were determined using standard protocols. Seven and fourteen days after administration of methanolic seed extracts of S. incanum at the dose level of 50 mg/kgbw, there was significant increase in erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit counts while the dose level of 100 mg/kgbw caused significant increase in hematocrit count fourteen days after administration of the extract. There was a significant increase in levels of total white blood cells, neutrophils and basophil counts seven and fourteen days after administration of the methanolic seed extract of S. incanum at the dose level of 50 mg/kgbw. The dose level of 50 mg/kgbw of methanolic seed extract of S. incanum caused a significant increase in platelet, plateletcrit, MPV, and PDW profiles after seven days. In addition phytochemical screening results showed that the seed extract of S. incanum (Linn) had phytochemicals associated with erythropoietin promoting activity, immunostimulatory activities and thrombopoietin stimulation.