ABSTRACT
Acalypha wilkesiana (Copper leaf) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a medicinal plant which has antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory activities, because it consists of various phytochemicals that against tumors and some infections. The study evaluates the effects of ethanol extract on blood parameters of wistar rats exposed to 1,2-dithmethylhydrazine. Sixty-nine (69) rats were randomized in nine groups (1 - 9 ). Groups 1, 2, 3 and 9 had seven animals each while groups 4, 5, 6 and 8 had eight animals each. Group 1 was given growers mash fed and water, Group 2 was given growers mash fed and water, induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and treated with Xeloda drug. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were given growers mash fed and water, induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and treated with low medium and high dose of ethanol extract of Acalypha wilkesiana respectively. Groups 6, 7 and 8 were given growers mash and water, they were administered low, medium and high ethanol extract of Acalypha wilkesiana respectively, and then induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Group 9 was given growers mash fed and water, induced with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine with no treatment. Blood samples was collected on September 21th, 2023. The study found no significant increase or decrease (p < 0.05) in the total platelet count (PLT) as well as the platelecrit (PCT). Additionally, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the mean platelet volume. This indicates that the blood's ability to carry oxygen remained not affected. The plant's extract is safe and contain abundant phytochemicals which have contributed to the effect of the extract on platelet indices (PLT, MPV and PCT). The research assesses the impact of Acalypha wilkesiana on platelet indices (PLT, MPV and PCT) of wistar rats exposed to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.
