Mucuna Pruriens (Karara) Leaf Extracts Enhance Certain Haematological Parameters in Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: This study is aimed at investigating the effects of Mucuna pruriens on the haematology of albino rats. Mucuna pruriens is a plant with medicinal properties that have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Methods:The study was conducted using albino rats as the animal model. The rats were divided into three groups: a control group and two treatment groups; group 1 (control), received 5.0 ml/kg body weight of distilled water per animal; while groups 2 and 3 received cold and warm aqueous leaf extract of M. pruriens at 200 mg/kg body weight respectively. The extract was administered daily for 14 days. Haematological parameters were measured before and after the treatment period.Results: Mucuna pruriens had a significant effect on the haematological parameters of the treated rats showing higher values of haemoglobin concentration,Packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell count when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Total white blood cell count was however, significantly decreased, when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The values of lymphocytes as well as those of neutrophils were lower compared to those of the control group. There was however, no statistically significant difference between the groups administered the cold extract and the one administered the warm extract. The phytochemical analysis of both extracts revealed the presence of phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates. Conclusion:Findings from this study suggests that M. pruriens may have beneficial effects on the haematology parameters in albino rats. Our findings indicated that Mucuna pruriens has the potentials of increasing the haemoglobin levels of the body. Its potentials use as an anti-anaemic option is limited by the impaired effect on white blood cell production. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying these effects and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of M. pruriens for use in humans.