An evaluation of the effect of ethanolic fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica on haematological and biochemical parameters in male rats

Xylopia aethiopica (African guinea pepper) is used mainly as spices, as postpartum tonic and to induce placental discharge postpartum by traditional birth attendants (TBA).In spite of its frequent and regular use, no attempt has been made to scientifically examine the effects of the spice on haematological and biochemical parameters. The present study was thus undertaken to fill this gap in knowledge in our effort to establish the effect of local spice and medications on these parameters. The extract of Xylopia aethiopica was administered (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg p.o) to different groups of male rats for sixty days. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after the last treatment by cardiac puncture into EDTA tubes for haematology parameters and into plain tubes for the enzyme and other biochemical assays. Oral administration of the extract produces significant (p<0.001) augmentation of Hb, total white blood cells and neutrophil in a dose dependent fashion. It however did not affect RBC, and HCT. The extract also cause a significant increase in serum total protein, Albumin, Globulin, HDL and total Cholesterol levels as well as indirect and total bilirubin dose dependently while decreasing serum ALT. It did not however have a significant effect on Renal function test (urea and creatinine). The present findings may be responsible for the usefulness of X. aethiopica fruit in the our local setting as an immune booster and postpartum tonic

Author(s): Chrissie S. Abaidoo, Eric Woode, Abass Alhassan

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