Phytochemical Appraisal and Effects of Aqueous Extract of Hypoestes rosea on Haematological Parameters of Acetaminophen – Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a phytochemical appraisal and evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Hypoestes rosea on haematological parameters of acetaminophen – induced toxicity in albino rats. Study Design:  This study is an experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Experimental Animal Unit of the Department of Human Physiology, University of Port- Harcourt, between June 2018 and December, 2019. Methodology: A total of 112 adult apparently healthy albino rats weighing (180-220 g) were used for this study, the rats were divided into six experimental groups of extract control (EC), negative control (NC), positive control (PC), AEHr100 mg/kg body weight (b w), AEHr 200 mg/kg b w., and AEHr 300 mg/kg b w. groups each of six rats. At the end of the study period, blood sample were taken through jugular vein under chloroform anaesthesia for the determination of haematological parameters (packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB), Red blood  cell count (RBC), white blood  cell count (WBC) and platelet count (PLT), using an auto-analyzer (Sysmex KX-21n Auto-analyzer, Kobe, Japan). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and p-values less than 0.05 (P<.05) were considered statistically significant. Results: Results showed that phytochemical analyses, both qualitative and quantitative of Hypoestes rosea leaves revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids/steroids, saponins, carbohydrates and cardiac glycosides. Acetaminophen induction in albino rats caused anaemia as evidenced by significantly reduced PCV, HB, RBC and increased WBC levels. P<.05 in the PC group when compared with other experimental groups. However, various concentrations of aqueous extract of Hypoestes rosea in a dose dependent pattern at the different treatment phases at acute and sub-chronic period was able to restore the anaemia caused by acetaminophen induction to normal. Conclusion: In conclusion, Hypoestes rosea leaves possessed active ingredients and constituents in its phytochemical responsible for disease prevention and promotion of health. Acetaminophen induced toxicity caused anaemia and consumption of various concentrations of aqueous extracts of Hypoestes rosea at different treatment phases, experimental groups and duration of exposure helped restore normalcy. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that Hypoestes rosea has erythropoietic effects in albino rats and should be subjected to further studies using higher mammals.