Effect of methanolic extract of the fruit pulp of Hyphaene thebaica (L) mart on some heamatological parameters and organ histology in rats

The effects of methanol extract of Hyphane thebaica (L) mart fruit pulp on some haematological and histopathological parameters were investigated. Twenty albino rats of wistar strain were divided into four groups of five rats each. Group one serves as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered daily orally by intubation with 200, 400 and 800mg/kg of 70% methanol extract of H. thebaica fruit pulp. All the rats were fed with normal diet (ECWA Mash, Jos, Nigeria) and water adlibitum for 28 days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the animals were sacrificed, heamoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), neutrophils and lymphocytes were assayed. Histology of liver, testes, lungs, kidney and spleen were carried out. Results revealed significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of RBC, Hb and PCV. White blood cells- neutrophils and lymphocytes- were not affected. Toxic effects were seen in liver and testes at higher dose. It was concluded that the methanolic fruit pulp extract of H. thebaica is hematinic. However, its use at higher doses should be exercised with caution.