Influence of Sub-chronic Administration of Fruit Extracts of Xylopia aethiopica on Haematopoietic System of Male Wistar Albino Rats

This study investigated the hematological effects of aqueous and methanolic fruit extracts of Xylopia aethiopica on Wistar albino rats. A total of 84 rats weighing between 100 and 120 g were randomly selected and divided into seven groups (A-G) of four rats per group with 3 replicates. Group A (control), was administered commercial feed and water only ad libitum, groups B, C, D were administered 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica respectively while rats in groups E, F, G were fed orally with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg body weight of methanolic extract of X. aethiopica respectively. The study lasted for 6 weeks accompanied by weekly collection of blood samples for analysis. Results showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease and non-significant (p>0.05) difference in PCV level (weeks 1 and 2) in the low dose groups (50 mg/kg) and other groups respectively when compared to the control. The RBC count of all groups in the aqueous extract (week 2) showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease while other groups showed non-significant (p>0.05) difference (weeks 1 and 2) in RBC, WBC and HB levels when compared to the control. In week 4, there was significant (p<0.05) decrease in WBC level and a non-significant (p>0.05) difference in HB and RBC concentrations across all groups, respectively while the high dose (150 mg/kg) and other groups showed significant (p<0.05) and non-significant (p>0.05) difference, respectively in PCV level when compared to the control. Week 5 results showed non-significant (p>0.05) difference in RBC and WBC counts across all groups, while HB concentration showed significant (p<0.05) increase and non-significant (p>0.05) difference in the aqueous and methanolic extracts across all groups respectively when compared to the control. The significant (p<0.05) decrease in weight of the animals as observed majorly in all groups across the six (6) weeks is indicative that the extracts may likely be beneficial in obesity control and was similar for both methanol and aqueous extracts. This study suggests that extracts of Xylopia aethipica possess some influence on the hemopoietic system and may have weight lowering properties.