Author(s)

Chinyelu Clementina Osigwe, Peter Achunike Akah^*, Chukwuemeka Sylvester Nworu

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Dichloromethane-methanol (1:1) extract (DME) of N. laevis leaves was prepared by cold maceration. The effects of the extract on the haematological and some biochemical parameters of alloxan-induced diabetic rats were investigated. The results showed that the oral administration of the extract (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) caused a significant (P < 0.5) and dose-dependent increase in red blood cell count (RBC) and its indices, as well as a significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependent reduction in the platelet count and the white blood cells (WBC). The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. This effect was not dose related. The serum levels of total bilirubin, urea and creatinine were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. The serum total protein and total antioxidant status (TAS) significantly (p < 0.05) increased dose dependently. Overall, administration of DME has significant ameliorative effect on alloxan-induced anaemia and other haematological alterations in diabetes and this may be of immense benefits in the management of diabetes and its associated haematological complications. Improved liver and kidney functions as well as improved antioxidant status are beneficial in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Haematological, Biochemical, Newbouldia laevis, Diabetes, Anti-Oxidant

Osigwe, C. , Akah, P. and Nworu, C. (2017) Biochemical and Haematological Effects of the Leaf Extract of Newbouldia laevis in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 5, 18-36. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2017.56003.