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Abstract

Information on the toxicity of cassava-cyanide and of the side effects of treatment-diets on haematological parameter is scarce and had not been fully assessed. The indispensability of such data is obvious in regions where anaemia is rampant, particularly among the female population. The present study investigates haematological and biochemical profile of female Wistar rats fed Manihot esculenta-based diets and ameliorative effects of the treatment diets fortified with Malus domestica and Moringa oleifera. Twenty four (24) rats aged 9 to 12 weeks and weighing between 126.05±2.08 -192.75±1.58g were randomised into 3 groups with 8 rats per group, and fed ad libitum with heat-treated cassava-cyanide diets for 28 day, after seven days acclimatization in control feed and climate condition. Full blood count was done using Automated Analyser; while the serum glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, and protein were measured spectrophotometrically. Results of haemoglobin (Hb) together with other haematological findings indicated the presence of microcytic hypochromic anaemia among the experimental rats. Higher values of cholesterol, glucose, and lower levels of serum protein were obtained from the test rats than those of the control and treatment animals and so support the toxicity effects of the cassava-cyanide. The comparatively higher Hb, serum protein and lower cholesterol concentration in the treatment group as against those of the test rats were positive indication of the ameliorative potential of the plant agents.