You have no items in your shopping cart.
ABSTRACT
Morinda citrifolia leaves, commonly known as noni leaves, are used in traditional medicine to treat variety of health conditions ranging from menstrual cramps to anticancer treatment. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. This project evaluated the phytochemical composition using distilled water and ethyl acetate, haematological effects on platelets, acute toxicity study, and total tannins content of Morinda citrifolia leaves in Swiss Rats. All experiments were carried out in accordance to already established methods. The phytochemical screening of Morinda citrifolia leaves using distilled water and ethyl acetate revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids and tannins, and absence of steroid. The haematological studies on platelets showed that Morinda citrifolia leaf extract had a significant increase in platelet count(PLT) for the 800mg/kg and 200mg/kg dose; with an increase ranging from 731.50±4.50b to 52948.00±520.00c. No changes were observed in the mean platelet volume(MPV) and platelet distribution width(PDW%). Significant increase was also observed in the procalcitonin (PCT) level in the 800mg/kg and 200mg/kg dose.The acute toxicity study of Morinda citrifolia leaf extract in Swiss rats showed no adverse effect in the organs and tissues of the Swiss Rats.The total tannins content of Morinda citrifolia leaves was determined using the straight line graph equation y=0.0036x on the Tannic acid graph. This served as the standard for the analysis. The findings of this study suggest that Morinda citrifolia leaves contain a variety of phytochemicals, including tannins, which may have both beneficial effects on health. Further research is needed to investigate the specific mechanisms of action of Morinda citrifolia leaf extract on platelets and other blood cells, as well as to develop safe and effective herbal products based on Morinda citrifolia leaves.
