EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HUNTERIA UMBELLATA SEED IN SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN MALE WISTAR RATS

ABSTRACT

Hunteria umbellata, commonly known as "Osu fruit" in Edo, is a medicinal plant widely distributed across tropical regions of Africa. It has been traditionally used for its various pharmacological properties. The seeds of Hunteria umbellata, in particular, have gained attention in recent years due to their potential therapeutic effects. Despite the growing interest in the medicinal properties of Hunteria umbellata seeds, limited research has been conducted on their effects on hematological parameters. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the impact of Hunteria umbellata seed extract on hematological parameters in male wistar rats, to assess its potential therapeutic benefits and safety profile. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Hunteria umbellata seed on hematological parameters in male wistar rats. Fifteen (15) male wistar rats which weighed 103g- 131g were randomly assigned into three groups (A, B, and C), each group consisting of five animals (n=5). Group A served as control, while Group B and Group C served as the test groups, received 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg body weight of the aqueous seed extract of Huntera umbellata in low and high dose, respectively. Acclimatization and administration were done for a period of six weeks, The male wistar rats were humanely sacrificed using chloroform anesthesia and about 2ml of blood was collected for hematological analyses. The result showed a statistically significant decrease in some hematological parameters in 100mg/kg, compared to 300mg/kg and control. There was no effect in hematocrit level. In conclusion, the aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata has a dose dependent medicinal effect on some hematological parameters, hence, consumption of this extract must be done with utmost care