Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha curcas with Vitamin C co-treatment on haematological parameters in Wistar rat

Stephen Olawale Ajayi; Ezekiel Iliya; Olumayowa Kolawole Idowu; Abdulkadir Abubakar

Stephen Olawale Ajayi Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria
Ezekiel Iliya Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria
Olumayowa Kolawole Idowu Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Lagos, Nigeria
Abdulkadir Abubakar Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria

Keywords: Aqueous extract, Co-treatment, Haematological parameters, Jatropha curcas, Vitamin C

Abstract

Evaluations of haematological parameters are used in the assessment of the clinical entities related to various diseases. Leaf extract of Jatropha curcas has been hypothesized to have a potent anti-anaemic property. Also, vitamin C has been linked with antihypertensive activities. The present study aimed at evaluating the combined effect of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha curcas and vitamin C on red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin and packed cell volume in Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult Wistar rats (185 – 200 g) were randomly sorted into four groups (n=5); CTRL (distilled water), J. curcas (200 mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha curcas), Vit. C (100 mg/kg vitamin C) and both for J. curcas + Vit. C All substances were administered orally for 21 days. Blood samples were collectedvia the retinal vein using capillary tubes for haematological analyses such as RBCs, WBCs and PLTs count using hemocytometer, Hb concentration using colourimeter and PCV using haematocrit reader. The result showed a significantly (P < 0.05) increased red blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin and packed cell volume, as well as a significantly (P < 0.05) decreased white blood cells in Jatropha curcas + vitamin C group compared to the control. These results demonstrate the potential of Jatropha curcas and vitamin C to improve vital haematological parameters. In conclusion, this study revealed that extract of Jatropha curcas and vitamin C possess the properties of improving physiological status of blood.