Dialium guineense is a medicinal plant used in folklore medicine for the treatment of different diseases. The
present study investigated the biochemical effect of aqueous extract of Dialium guineense (AEDG) stem bark
on haematological parameters in rats. Ten adult male Wistar rats weighing 150 to 180 g (mean weight = 165 ±
15 g) were randomly assigned to two groups of five rats each: control and observation groups. The observation
group rats received 1000 mg/kg body weight, bwt, AEDG stem bark, orally for twenty-eight days. Haematological
indices of rat blood were analysed using haematological Swelab autocounter 920E+ (UK) system. The results
showed that there were no significant differences in the concentrations of hematological parameters (p > 0.05),
except that the levels of white blood cells were significantly elevated at weeks 1 and 3, and granulocytes at week
1 only (p < 0.05). These results indicate that aqueous extract of D. guineense stem bark is not toxic to rats blood.
It contains compound(s) that can activate the immune system of rats.
In recent years, haematotoxicity has become a major consideration
in the assessment of adverse effects caused by pharmaceuticals
and occupational/environmental chemical exposures [1]. The blood
accounts for 7 % of the body weight of a typical adult human. Functions
of the blood include oxygen delivery to tissues, maintenance of
vascular integrity, and immunity. The haematopoietic tissue is specifically
sensitive to drugs used for the treatment of cancer, infections,
and immune-mediated disorders [2]. The tissue is also susceptible to
secondary effects of substances that hinder nutrients availability (for
example, iron); the clearance of toxicants; or the synthesis of growth
factors [for example, erythropoietin and granulocyte colony-stimulating
factor (G-CSF)]. It is almost possible to predict the consequences
of direct or indirect damage to blood cells and their precursors [3,4].
They include hypoxia, hemorrhage, and infection [5]. These effects
may be subclinical or acute [6]. As sources of therapeutically active
compounds medicinal plants have gained wide acceptability, globally
[7].
The isolation and characterization of pharmacologically important
compounds from natural sources is the present focus of most
researches in Ethnomedicine [8-10]. Dialium guineense is a medicinal
plant used locally to treat diverse kinds of diseases [11,12]. A substantial
tropical fruit tree of the family Leguminosae, it bears tiny, frequently
grape-sized edible fruits that are coated in brown, inedible
shells. At the southernmost border of the Sahel in Africa, it grows in
thick woods. The Central African Republic, Sudan, and West Africa are
the original home of this plant. In Nigeria, it is referred to by a variety
of names, including “Icheku (Igbo), Awin (Yoruba), Tsamiyarkurm
(Hausa), and Amughen (Edo) [12]. According to reports, the plant’s
extracts are rich in phytochemicals [13-31]. As yet not much is known
about the responses of the blood to extracts of the plant. The aim of
this study was to investigate the biochemical effect of AEDG stem bark
on haematological parameters in rats.
The chemicals and reagents used in this study were of analytical
grade and they were products of Sigma-Aldrich Ltd. (USA).
Collection of Plant Material
The stem barks of D. guineense were collected from Auchi, Edo
State, Nigeria and authenticated at the herbarium of the University
of Benin, Nigeria, domiciled in the Department of Plant Biology and
Biotechnology (No. UBHD330).
Plant Extract Preparation
The plant stem bark was washed and shade-dried at room temperature
for 30 days and thereafter pulverized. Approximately 500 g
of the ground plant material was soaked in distilled water (5 L) with
intermittent stirring for 72 h. The resultant extract was filtered with a
muslin cloth and freeze dried via lyophilization [32-35].
Experimental Rats
Male Wistar albino rats were bought from the Department of
Anatomy, University of Benin, Nigeria. The rats were housed in metal
cages under standard laboratory conditions (25 oC, 60 ± 5 % humidity
and 12-h light/12-h dark cycle). They were acclimatized for
fourteen days before commencement of the study, and had free access
to feed and water.
Experimental Design
Ten adult male Wistar rats weighing 150 to 180 g (mean weight =
165 ± 15 g) were randomly assigned to two groups of five rats each:
control and observation groups. The observation group rats received
1000 mg/kg bwt, AEDG stem bark orally for twenty-eight days.
Haematological Analysis
Haematological parameters of rat blood were analysed using haematological
Swelab autocounter 920E+ (UK) system.
Statistical Analysis
Data are presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM, n =
5). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Mean
differences among the groups were compared using Duncan multiple
range test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05.
Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of D. guineense on Rat
Weight
As shown in Figure 1, percentage increases in body weight of rats
treated with aqueous extract of D. guineense stem bark increased significantly
and time-dependently (p < 0.05).
Figure 1
Biochemical Effect of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of
D. guineense on Hematological Parameters in Normal Rats
There were no significant differences in the concentrations of
hematological parameters (p > 0.05), except that the levels of white
blood cells were significantly elevated at weeks 1 and 3, and granulocytes
at week 1 only (p < 0.05; Figures 2-6).
In preclinical and clinical safety assessments, blood and haematopoietic
tissue are given careful attention besides liver and kidney. This
is so because of the high mitotic rate of haematopoietic tissue, the
direct contact blood cells have with substances administered systemically,
and the severity of haematotoxicity [1]. In normal individuals,
red cells, platelets and neutrophils are synthesized at a very high rate
(1 – 3 million/s). Like other rapidly dividing tissues (intestine and gonads),
bone marrow is highly sensitive to the toxic effect of drugs and
other agents. It is also a key target for molecules engineered to stimulate
the synthesis of blood cells or prevent myelotoxicity [5]. Bone
marrow impairment or direct damage to blood cells which causes
cytopenia or dysfunction can be life-threatening. The obvious sequelae
include anoxia (due to anaemia), infection and sepsis following
leukopenia, and haemorrhage. These alterations which may be dramatic
or subtle present with a number of secondary/compensatory
changes in haematopoietic or extra-medullary tissues. As a serious adverse
effect of drug therapy, primary iatrogenic (drug-induced) blood
dyscrasias is difficult to assess and its pathogenesis is not well known
[3,4]. Haematological parameters such as haematocrit, haemoglobin,
erythrocytes and white blood cells are used to evaluate toxicity. They
are employed in environmental/occupational monitoring.
The normal ranges of these parameters are altered by exposure
to certain toxic substances. Studies have shown that alterations in
haematological parameters by medicinal compounds could either be
beneficial or deleterious [36]. This study investigated the biochemical
effect of AEDG stem bark on haematological parameters in rats.
The results showed that there were no significant differences in the
concentrations of haematological parameters, except that the levels
of white blood cells were significantly elevated at weeks 1 and 3, and
granulocytes at week 1 only, an indication that the medicinal plant
extract may contain principle(s) that can activate the immune system.
Previous studies reported the relative safety of extracts of D.
guineense stem bark [37-50]. Extracts of D. guineense stem bark have
been reported to possess different pharmacological and biological activities
[51- 71].
The results obtained in this study indicate that aqueous extract of
D. guineense stem bark is not toxic to rats blood. It contains compound(
s) that can activate the immune system of rats.
Handa SS, Khanuja SPS, Longo G, Rakesh DD (2008) Extraction technologies for medicinal and aromatic plants. International Centre for Science and High Technology Trieste Italy, p. 21-25.
Dalziel JM, Hutchison J (1973) Flora of West Tropical Africa. The White friars Press Ltd. London 1(2): 561.
Abu OD, Onoagbe IO, Ojo I (2021) Determination of effective dose for ethanol extract of Dialium guineense stem bark. Journal of Medical Research and Case Reports 3(2): 1-4.
Abu OD, Imafidon KE, Obayuwana HO Okwudiri NB (2017). Hepatotoxic effect of methanol extract of citrullus lanatus seeds in Wistar albino rats. Journal of the Nigerian Society of Experimental Biology 17(4): 159-163.
Abu OD, Onoagbe IO (2019) Biochemical effect of aqueous extract of Dialium Guineense stem bark on oxidative status of normal Wistar rats. International Journal of Clinical Biology and Biochemistry 1(2): 15-18.
Abu OD, Eromosele AI, Osarhenomase EG (2022) Effect of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Lipid Profile and CCl4- Induced Histological Changes in Liver of Wistar Rats. International Journal of Lipids 1(1): 22-27.
Abu OD, Imafidon KE, Iribhogbe ME (2015) Biochemical effect of aqueous leaf extract of Icacina trichanta Oliv. on urea, creatinine and kidney oxidative status in CCl4-induced Wistar rats. Nigerian Journal of Life Sciences 5(1): 85-89.
Abu OD, Aleogho BM, Omoregie FO (2019) Aqueous leaf extract of Icacina trichanta Oliv. improves lipid profile and CCl4 - induced histological changes in the liver and kidney of Wistar rats. Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry 4(1): 1-11.
Abu OD, Iyare HE, Ogboi KU (2022) Cardiac Oxidative Status in CCl4-Exposed Rats Treated with Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark. Global Journal of Scientific Frontier Research 22(01): 1-6.
Abu OD, Odagwe UB, Ojo AU (2022) Cardiotoxicity of Ethanol Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Rats. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences 8(11): 34-39.
Abu OD, Ogbebor EO, Omage JI (2022) Effect of Extracts of Dialium guineense Stem Bark on Oxidative Status in Rats Exposed to CCl4. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 4(3): 124-127.
Abu OD, Onoagbe IO, Ekugum E (2022) Nephrotoxic Evaluation of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Dialium guineense in Normal Wistar Rats. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Bio-Medical Sciences 2(9): 353-357.
Abu OD, Onoagbe IO, Ekugum E (2022) Hepatotoxicity of Graded Doses of Ethanol Extract of Dialium guineense Stem Bark in Wistar Rats. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Bio-Medical Sciences 2(9): 347-352.
ISSN: 2574 -1241
Abstract
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