Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: May | Volume: 8 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 17-22
Comparative Study of the Effects of Crude Extract of Telfairia Occidentalis, Ferrous Sulphate and Folic Acid on Haematologic Indices in Albino Rats
OM, Avidime1; ADT, Goji1; KV, Olorunshola2; H, Tajong2
1Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
2Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences College of Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: ADT, Goji
ABSTRACT
Background: Telfairia Occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) fondly referredto as “Ugwu” by the people of South Eastern part of Nigeria is highlycherished for its leave and seed in Nigeria. It is claimed that fluted pumpkin leaves have some medicinal values. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the haematological effects of Telfairia Occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) with those of Fersolate (Ferrous Sulphate) and Folic acid.
Method: Twenty Albino rats weighing between l50-180 grams were randomly divided into five groups of four animals each. After one week in the Laboratory, group I (control) animals received animal feeds and tap water, Group II animals received animal feeds mixed with crude extract of leaves of T Occidentalis,group III received Ferrous Sulphate with animal feed. GroupIV received folic acid with animal feed, Group V received a combination of fersolate (32mg/g b.w) and Folic acid (0.8mg b.w) with the animal feeds. Blood was collected from all the animals on day 0 (pretreatment), days 14 and 30 and analyzed for RBC, WBC, PCV and Hemoglobin Concentration.
Results: Telfairia Occidentalis caused a significant increase (P<0.05) in red blood cell concentration. The effect on RBC was statistically higher (P<0 05) on day 14 than day 0. T. Occidentalis also caused a significant increase in RBC, WBC,PCV and HB concentration on day 30 of the experiment (P<0.05). The result also showed that T Occidentalis significantly increased haematopoiesis than either Fersolate or Folic acid singly or combined. (P<0.05).
Conclusion: T Occidentalis has a definite and significant haematopoietic function which is better than the effect of either of the conventional haematinics (Fersolate and Folic acid). Red blood cell concentration was the most sensitive to the effect of T Occidentalis.
Key words: Telfairia Occidentalis, haematopoietic, Fersolate, folic acid