EFFECT OF CANARIUM SCHWEINFURTHII LEAF AND PULP EXTRACTS ON HEMATOLOGICAL, BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND ITS SAFETY IN LABORATORY ANIMAL MODELS

Kyewalabye JC, Kasolo JN, Lugaajju A, Kirenga B, Batte C, Lubega A and GS Bbosa

Background: C. schweinfurthii is a common medicinal plant used as food and medicine in communities of central Uganda. Local communities and herbalists commonly used it in management of aneamia with limited information on its effectiveness on hematological, blood chemistry and its safety in Wistar albino rats. Aim: To assess the effect of C. schweinfurthii aqueous and total crude leaf and pulp extracts on hematological, blood chemistry and safety in Wistar albino rats. Methods: An experimental laboratory based study was conducted on 18 groups each with 6 animals. Active dose of 1000mg/ml aqueous pulp was used for sub-acute toxicity since no death occurred at limit dose of 5000mg/kg bwt. Hematological parameters were measured using an automated Beckman coulter coulter A-T Pierce hematology analyzer. Blood chemistry was analyzed using COBAS INTEGRA 400 Plus. Histological changes in liver and kidney after 28 days of daily dosing of extracts was established. Study was approved by relevant IRB. Results: No death was observed at limit dose of 5000mg/kg bwt within 24 hours after dosing indicating its safety. Total bilirubin (μmol/L) was significantly reduced by the extract on day 14 (p < 0.05) while direct bilirubin was increased on day 14 and 21. Total protein (g/L) was significantly reduced on 7, 14 and 28 but increased on day 21(p < 0.05). There were no histopathological changes to the liver and kidney after 28 days of dosing extract. Conclusions: Extract was safe at limit dose of 5000mg/kg bwt in animals. No liver and kidney organ toxicity was observed. The plant is safe for use as food and medicine and hence its continued use by the local communities.