Effects of Citrus grandis, Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina Aqueous extracts on the Haematological Parameter of Plasmodium berghei infected mice.

Abstract

The decoction of Citrus grandis leaves, Azadirachta indica stem bark, and Vernonia amygdalina leaves are used traditionally to treat malaria and other forms of fever in the Ilorin metropolis. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of Citrus grandis, Azadirachta indica, and Vernonia amygdalina on the heamatological status of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Twenty albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with P. berghei while five (5) mice were left uninfected to serve as control (Group A). Group B, was infected but not treated and received distilled water. Group C was treated with chloroquine at 5 mg/kg body weight while C. grandis, A. indica, and V. amygdalina extracts were orally administered at 200 mg/kg body weight for 4 days to Groups D, E, and F respectively. On the fifth day of treatment, heamatological parameters; red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts; packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, leukocyte and neutrophils counts were determined. C. grandis, A. indica, and V. amygdalina at 200 mg/kg body weight increased the haemoglobin, RBC, and PCV levels of treated P. berghei-infected mice compared to the untreated mice. Lymphocyte levels of these same groups significantly (p<0.05) increased while neutrophil levels reduced. Our findings show that C. grandis, A. indica, and V. amygdalina possess anti anaemic properties.

Keywords: Haematology; Citrus grandis; Azadirachta indica; Vernonia amygdalina; anaemia; Plasmodium berghei