EFFECT OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA LEAVE EXTRACT ON SOME HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN WISTAR RATS

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Calotropis procera leaf aqueous extract on haematological parameters to evaluate its potential effect. Calotropis procera, commonly known as the apple of Sodom, is a medicinal plant traditionally used in various treatments due to its phytochemical properties, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, limited research exists on its effects on haematological indices, which are critical indicators of overall health and physiological functioning. The study involved the preparation of Calotropis procera aqueous leaf extract, which was administered to test subjects in graded doses. Haematological parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) and platelets. The findings revealed that calotropis procera aqueous leave extract influence RBC and Hematocrit suggesting that it enhances erythropoiesis or cell survival. The significant effects on lymphocytes (p = 0.006), neutrophils (p = 0.011), and eosinophils (p = 0.0259) suggest that the extract has immunomodulatory properties. These findings align with the known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Calotropis procera. The absence of significant changes in total WBC count, monocytes, and basophils may indicate a selective impact on specific immune cell populations rather than a generalized immune response.