Bioactive components and the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae) on haematological profile in paracetamol-induced Wistar rats

The study evaluates the bioactive components and the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Maesobotrya barteri (Baill.) Hutch. (Euphorbiaceae) on the haematological profile of paracetamol-induced Wistar albino rats. Standard methods were used in the proximate, phytochemical and haematological profile analysis. The results of the proximate composition revealed high values for crude fiber (49.13%), carbohydrates (16.33%) and protein (10.94%). Phytochemical studies showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols and tannins within the concentration range of 0.0003-94.68 μg/mL. Twenty-four hours after the last oral administration, the rats were sacrificed. Blood was obtained by cardiac puncture. Results of the haematological profile at different dose levels (200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight) did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) when compared with the control. A slight increase was observed in the erythrocytes (red blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and platelets). Meanwhile, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the WBC and platelets of the groups induced with paracetamol only. However, administration of ascorbic and the sample extract reduced the white blood cells and platelet levels. The study revealed that M. barteri leaves contain an appreciable amount of nutrients, bioactive constituents and may serve as a blood booster. Keyword: Bioactive components; Maesobotrya barteri; Haematological profile; Paracetamol; Wistar rats. Received July 29, 2019 Accepted December 11, 2019 Released December 31, 2019