Effects of Dietary Xylopia aethiopica on Hematological Parameters and Plasma Lipids in Male Wistar Rats

The effects of dietary intake of whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica on blood parameters were studied. The PVC, Hb, MCV, MCHC, RBC, WBC, platelets, ESR, PT, APTT, cholesterol and triglyceride were estimated using standard methods. The fruits demonstrated significant increases (p<0.05) in Hb concentration, PCV, MCV and RBC counts, and significant decreases (p<0.05) in ESR and total cholesterol in the male Wistar rats. It is concluded that the whole fruits of Xylopia aethiopica exhibited positive effects on blood cell indices and properties, probably by virtue of its rich iron content, and that its reduction in serum total cholesterol is a welcome development as an antihyperlipidemia against the cardiovascular risk factors associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels.Key words: Xylopia aethiopica, hematological parameters, Lipid profile, Wistar rat