Effects of Extracts of Rhizophora mangle on Some Haematological Parameters of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Rhizophora mangle is a mangrove plant found mainly in coastal lands of tropical and subtropical regions. It is a medicinal plant applied in folklore remedies in the treatment of fever, toothache, sore throat, constipation, etc.. This study investigated the effects of the leaves of Rhizophora mangle on haematological parameters of male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four (4) groups of five (5) rats each. Group one (1) served as control and received distilled water. Group two (2), group three (3) and group four (4) rats were treated with 200mg/kg bw, 400mg/kg bw and 600mg/kg bw of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Rhizophora mangle respectively, for a period of 30 days. The results indicated that the extract did not significantly (p<0.05) affect the red blood cell count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration. The white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet count were not significantly affected following extract administration. The levels of red blood cell indices were not altered. The differential white blood cell count showed that the neutrophils and eosinophils increased significantly in the tests groups but the lymphocyte level decreased significantly. This study have shown that the extract may not be capable to stimulate erythropoietic series because of the non significant changes in RBC count and Hb concentration in male Wistar rats.