Histopathological and Haematological Changes Observed in Adult Wistar Rats Administered with Momordica charantia (Bitter Melon) Aqueous Leaf Extract

Abstract

This research work was carried out to investigate the effect of the aqueous leaf extract of Momordica charantia on some hematological parameters and ovaries of adult Wistar rats.  Twenty five adult Wistar rats were grouped in to five  (Control and A,B,C,D) and fed with saline, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of  aqueous leaf extract of the plant respectively for 30 days.  Blood was collected for packed cell volume, PCV, white blood cell count, WBC, red blood cell count, RBC and platelet count while ovaries were harvested for histopathological studies. This study was carried out at the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Universityy of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria between October and December 2020. The results of the work showed that there was significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell count (RBC) compared with the control (p<0.05) while dilation of blood vessels and thickening of tunica media of arteries were observed in ovaries of the rats. It was concluded that aqueous leaf extract of Momordica charantia has haematological and histomorphological effects on adult Wistar rats which could lead to anaemia and likely infertility.