Phytochemistry And Some Haematological Changes Following Oral Administration Of Ethanolic Root Extract Of Gonglonema latifolium In Rats

Gonglonema latifolium is a climbing perennial plant that belongs to the family of asclepidaceae. The medicinal uses of the leaves and stem bark extract of Gonglonema latifolium has been reported in many scientific literatures to include anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-ulcerative etc. There is paucity in scientific reports on the medicinal properties of the root extract. This study was therefore designed to elucidate the phytochemical constituents and effect of ethanolic root extract of Gonglonema latifolium on some hematological parameters. Eighteen (18) albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups of 6 rats each. Group 1 (control) was fed on normal rat chow + drinking water, the test groups (group 2 and 3) in addition received extract treatment (p.o) at a dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively. The feeding regimens lasted for 14 days. Results show that the extract contains polyphenols, glycosides, reducing sugars and alkaloids. The mean RBC count for control was 4.44 ± 0.15 x 106 cells/mm3, this did not differ significantly from the test groups. The total WBC counts were 3.79 ± 0.15 x 103 cells/mm3 , 3.37 ± 0.19 x 103 cells/mm3 and 5.54 ± 0.39 x 103 cells/mm3 for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. WBC was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the high dose (group 3) compared with control. Mean PCV (%) were 33.60 ± 0.81, 37.20 ± 0.80 and 34.80 ± 1.35 for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The PCV was significantly (P<0.05) higher in low dose extract recipients (group 2) than in control. Hb content, MCV and MCH did not differ significantly among the groups, but MCHC was significantly lower in the test groups compared with control group. Neutrophils were significantly (P