ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Phoenix dactylifera L. PREVENTS LEAD INDUCED HEMATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Lead is a heavy metal that has been known for its adverse effects on many body organs and systems and thus their functions. In this study, the toxic effect of lead on blood was investigated, and ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. (EPD) (a well known nutritious, antioxidant, and medicinal fruit) was administered orally to prevent lead’s toxicity. Forty adult male Wister rats, randomly divided into four groups (n = 10), were used for this study Group B and Group D were given 200 g of EPD/Kg Body Weight/Day (orally) and 1% sodium acetate and Lead acetate respectively, while group A (control) and group C were given sodium acetate and lead acetate respectively. All treatments were for eight weeks. The animals were weighed and then sacrificed twenty-four hours after the last treatment. Hematocrit, red and white blood cell counts (RBC and WBC), differential count, hemoglobin concentration and other hematological parameters were determined. The data obtained were compared using t-test. The results showed that lead caused a significant decrease in hematocrit, RBC, WBC, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and lymphocyte and monocyte count; and significant increase in neutrophil count. These were, however, prevented in the EPD treated groups. It is therefore concluded that oral admistration of EPD promotes blood’s health and annuls lead induced hematotoxicit