Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum on some Haematological Indices in Rats Treated with Zidovudine-containing Antiretroviral Drugs

Abstract

Background: Anaemia, one of the manifestations of HIV/AIDS, could be worsened by zidovudine-containing antiretroviral therapy. This may result in discontinuation of therapy, drug resistance, and increased mortality and morbidity. The medicinal plant, Ocimum gratissimum, is credited with haematopoetic properties. The study is aimed at finding out if the leaf extract of this plant will protect against anaemia in zidovudine-containing antiretroviral therapy. Methodology: 25 adult rats of both sexes were divided into 5 groups (A, B C, D, E) of 5 animals per group and given oral antiretroviral drugs and extract as follows: A (normal feeds only), B (efavirenz 8.6 mg/kg, abacavir 8.6 mg/kg, zidovudine 4.3 mg/kg), C (extract 80 mg/kg), D (efavirenz 8.6 mg/kg, abacavir 8.6 mg/kg, zidovudine 4.3 mg/kg, plus extract 40 mg/kg), E (efavirenz 8.6 mg/kg, abacavir 8.6 mg/kg, zidovudine 4.3 mg/kg, plus extract 80 mg/kg) all for 28 days. Thereafter, blood samples were collected and analyzed for haemoglobin and packed cell volume values using autoanalyzer. Data were tested for normality and further analyzed for statistical significance using Kruskal-Wallis test plus Dunn's multiple comparison using Graph Pad Prism 7.0. Results: Mean values (± S.E.M.) of haemoglobin were 12.