Effects of aqueous extracts of Mucuna sloanei (Fabaceae) seed on haematological parameters of albino rats (Rattus novergicus)

Abstract

Mucuna sloanei is a legume used as a soup thickener by communities in some parts of Africa countries. The effect of aqueous seed extract of M. sloanei on the haematological profile of normal albino rats was investigated for 28 days using standard methods. The results show no overall dose dependent significant difference (p > 0.05) in the serum levels of the white blood cell count, red blood cell count and its indices (haemoglobin content, pack cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) of the rats throughout the duration of the experiment when compared with the control. However, a dose independent significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the white blood cell level was observed in week 3, while the decrease observed in the remaining week was not significant. The effects of the interaction between the doses and duration of treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in all the haematological parameters tested. These findings suggest that consumption of the crude seed extracts of M. sloanei may not constitute any adverse effect on the haematological indices of the consumers. However, the significant reduction in white blood cell levels observed in week 3 could compromise the body's immunity and may predispose consumers to opportunistic and supra-infections in the long run.

Clinical, Hematological and Biochemical Health Benefit Effects of &lt;i&gt;Hibiscus sabdariffa&lt;/i&gt; Lin Dried Calyces Beverage in Human

“…But none of this was observed during this study. These results not corroborated the findings of Ejere et al [35] who observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) of WBC value of rats following treatment with aqueous H. sabdariffa calyx L. extracts. Barger [39] reported that any increase in MCV, MCH and decrease in MCHC above or below the normal range indicate macrocytic and hypochromic anemia, probably due to the increase activity of bone marrow and deficiency of some hematopoietic factors which are useful index of the capacity of bone marrow to produce red blood cells.…”

“…The Hibiscus calyx extract have been shown to contain anthocyanins as it is known to induce the renal secretion of erythropoietin [33] [34]. These results are similar to those of Ejere et al [35] who observed significant (p < 0.05) increase in RBC, Hb and PCV values in rats following their study on the effect of aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa L. calyces on the hematological profile of normal male albino rats. The increase of Hb and PCV is indicative of the fact that oxygen uptake and transfer was very adequate in the patients [36].…”

“…This may be explained by the fact that MCHC, MCV and MCH relate to individual red blood cells while PCV, Hb and RBC count relate to the total population of red blood cells in the blood [37]. These results were at variance with those of Ejere et al [35] who state that the effects of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces on hematological characteristics of rattus norvergicus shown significant increase (p < 0.05) on MCHC, MCV and MCH. Besides, the effect of consumption of Hibiscus tea have no significant change on platelet, MPV, granulocytes and lymphocytes but a significant decrease (p < 0.05) on WBC and MID cells values.…”

Effects of aqueous seed extracts of Mucuna sloanei (Fabaceae) on body weight and some biochemical parameters of Rattus novergicus

“…This present report suggests that the extract was tolerated and is therefore relatively safe for consumption. This observation corroborated that of Ejere et al (2015) who observed no lethal effects of M. sloanei aqueous extract on albino rats after 24 h at a high dose of 5000 mg/kg. Contrarily, it disagreed with Egwurugwu et al (2012) who recorded lethal effects of the methanolic M. sloanei seed extract at a dose level of 3,872.98 mg/kg in experimental rats.…”

“…Nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics and metabolisable energy of M. sloanei seeds has also been reported (Ekwe et al, 2016). Ejere et al (2015) evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of M. sloanei seed on haematological parameters of normal Wistar rats and discovered that the plant seed has no harmful effects on the haematological parameters investigated.…”