Research Articles

2020  |  Vol: 5(1)  |  Issue: 1 (January-February) | https://doi.org/10.31024/apj.2020.5.1.2

Toxicity study of aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell-Arg (Jacob’s coat, Copper leaf) leaves on some haematological parameters in mice

H. A. Madziga^1*, M. Chiroma¹, J. G. Usman², N. Daniel³, I. J. Omeh¹

¹Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

²Drug Development Division National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria

³Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

*Address for Corresponding Author

Hannah A. Madziga

Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

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Abstract

Objective: of present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Acalypha wilkesiana on some haematological parameters in mice. Materials and Methods: The oral acute toxicity (LD₅₀) was studied using the method of Kaber as modified by Aliyu and Nwude. The effects of the aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on some haematological parameters in mice were studied. Results: The oral LD₅₀ with 95% confidence interval of the aqueous leaf extract was estimated to be 1420mg/kg, indicating that the extract is not toxic. After prolonged oral treatment of mice with the leaf extract, significant increases in the levels of mean Hb concentration, RBC, and PCV were observed. Conclusion: This study suggests that the aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana contains some important chemical components which may have therapeutic values and have some beneficial effects on haematological parameters, suggesting that it could be used as an anti anaemic.

Keywords: Acalypha wilkesiana, acute toxicity, hematological parameter