SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF WISTAR RATS ADMINISTERED ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN DURING PREGNANCY

Njoku-Oji N. N.*, Ifegwu N. O., Umahi G. O., Maduka S. O., Uchefuna R. C., Enemuo I. C.,
Okonudo P. O. and Dibia C. L.

ABSTRACT

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that anemia affects over half of the pregnant women in developing countries. In Eastern Nigeria, fresh leaves of S. mombin are used during and after parturition. Aim: To determine the effect of administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Spondias mombin on some hematological parameters of wistar rats during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight (28) non-pregnant adult female rats weighing between 140-200g were used for this study. On confirmation of pregnancy, the animals were grouped into four groups of 7 rats each as follows: Groups I, II, III and IV. Administration of extract began on the first day of the second trimester (day 4) and terminated on the sixth day of third trimester (day 20). The ethanolic leaf extract was administered daily via oral gavage at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight to groups II, III and IV respectively while group I received distilled water and served as the control group. At the end of extract administration, hematological analysis was carried out using the Automated Hematologic Analyzer. Result: Non-significant (p˃0.05) increase in PCV, RBC, WBC and Hemoglobin was recorded in groups II and III when compared with control group. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in PCV, RBC, WBC and Hemoglobin in group IV when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Spondias mombin may be useful in ameliorating the burden of dilutional anaemia in pregnancy.

Keywords: Spondias Mombin, Hematological Parameters, Pregnancy, Wistar Rats.