Effects of Ocimum Gratissimum on the Hematological Parameters of Albino Wistar Rats

The effects of crude extract of Ocimum gratissimum on some hematological parameters was studied in 32 albino Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 180 g. Increasing doses of 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 ml of the extract were administered orally to different groups of rats for 30 days. Significant decreases were recorded in red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration HBC. These blood parameters decreased with increase in the doses of the extract. Ocimum gratissmus therefore may have anti-haemopoietic effects in albino Wistar rats. Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, basil, blood, Wistar rat