Effects of the Aqueous Fruit Extract of Solanum macrocarpum Linn. on Hematological Parameters of Chronic Triton-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats

The dried and pulverized unripe fruit of Solanum macrocarpum (Solanaceae) was soxlet-extracted with distilled water. Studies were then undertaken on the effect of the aqueous extract on hematological parameters and the leukocytic response on chronic triton-induced hyperlipdemic rats. Graded doses (25, 50, 100, 200mg/kg weight, bw) of the extract were administered intraperitoneally (i.p) to different groups of hyperlipidemic rats for 90 days. Significant dose dependent increases at 24 and 48hrs (P < 0.05) in the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) erythrocyte count (RBC) mean cell volume (MCV) packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cells (WBC) were observed. Also the decrease in mean cell volume (MCV) and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased significantly (P < 0.05) at 24 and 48hrs. When compared to the negative control. The improved hematological parameters (Hb, RBC and PCV) probably imply a beneficial effect, suggesting that the plant could probably be used as an antianemic agent.