Haematological and Biochemical Changes Observed Following Sub-chronic Administration of Crude Methanol Extracts of Stellaria media and Cajanus cajan to Wistar Rats

Aims: Stellaria media and Cajanus cajan are nutritive plants used as food and as components of several herbal remedies either singly or in combination with other medicinal plants in Southwestern Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate its effect on haematology and serum biochemistry after a sub-chronic administration to Wistar rats.

Study Design: Wistar rats were randomly grouped into four groups and administered methanol extracts of S. media at doses of 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively per os. Same grouping and treatment was carried out for methanol extract of Cajanus cajan.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between June and October, 2010.

Methodology: The study evaluated the effect of the extract on haematology and serum biochemistry of rats administered with the extract by assessing changes in PCV, MCV, WBC and differential counts while ALT, AST, total protein, albumin, serum bilirubin and creatinine levels were used to assess effects on the liver and kidneys.

Results: The study shows no toxic effect in the haematology rather an immunostimulatory effect is seen with both plants. Lymphocyte counts were between 4.6–8.6 X103/mm3 for S. media and 8.3-11.0 X103/mm3 for C. cajan compared to the control rats (4.3 X103/mm3). A possible hepatotoxicity was observed for C. cajan after sub-chronic usage. A non-significant (P>0.05) increase in AST levels were observed with significantly (P<0.05) decreased protein levels of 3.3-3.8 g/dl compared to control rats (5.9 g/dl).

Conclusion: Lower doses of ≤100 mg/kg are recommended and caution should be taken when using Stellaria media or Cajanus cajan at high doses and or for prolonged administration.