Effect of Artesunate on Haematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Female Wistar Rats

This study was designed to investigate effect of artesunate on blood parameters in female rats. Ten female Wistar rats (130 – 150 g) were grouped into control and artesunate (1.43 mg/kg) – treated groups for blood assay. The artesunate was administered orally for 50 days. Hematological assay was carried out using hemocytometer, while biochemical assay was carried out using spectrophotometry. Mean +/- SEM and student’s t-test at p<0.05 were determined. Artesunate (1.43 mg/kg) significantly reduced RBC, platelet and lymphocyte counts when compared to their controls. It also significantly decreased total protein, ALT and ALP values relative to their controls. However, it induced no significant changes in the PCV, Hb, TWBC, neutrophil, monocyte, eosinophil, MCV, MCHC, MCH, albumin, globulin, AST, BUN and creatinine values relative to their controls. Conclusively, it can be suggested that artesunate had both harmful and advantageous effects on blood parameters in female rats.