ABSTRACT

A wide array of ethno-medicinal values has been attributed to the different parts of Annona muricata, and indigenous communities in Africa and South America extensively use this plant to augment conventional drugs.

Acute and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out on the stem bark extract of Annona muricata Linn. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of A. muricata on hematological parameters in wistar albino rats.

A total of Sixty (60) male albino rats were divided into 12 groups of five (5) rats each. They were given grower pellets and water. Groups one (control), two, three, four, five, six were administered 0, 200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extract per day respectively for a period of 28days.Weekly measurements of body weight were carried out. After 30 days, the rats were subjected to overnight fast after which they were sacrificed, with their blood and organ samples collected into sterile containers with anticoagulant.

Hematological profiles showed increased levels of red blood cells and its related indices for both methanolic and aqueous extract of Annona muricta. The investigation into the sub-chronic toxicity of methanol and aqueous extract of the stem bark of Annona muricata revealed no significant effect on the immunity of wistar albino rats.

Methanolic and aqueous stem extract of A. muricta at 3000 mg/kg b.wt and 1000mg/kg body weight respectively may have effect on thrombopoiesis and morphology of blood platelets establishing the acclaimed wound-healing properties of A. muricata. We posit that the results justify the use of the stem bark of Ann6ona muricata as a hematinic with hemomodulatory properties and for treatment of wounds by traditional medical practitioners showing its relative safety. Further experiments are needed to evaluate its safety