Evaluation of Haematological Parameters in Male Wistar Rats Administered Methanol Extract of Pausinystalia yohimbe

Abstract

Introduction: Due to their purported ability to improve sexual performance, herbal aphrodisiacs like Pausinystalia yohimbe are becoming more and more popular in West Africa. Despite its widespread use, there is still a dearth of scientific evidence on P. yohimbe extract's haematological safety. Through oxidative or inflammatory processes, chronic consumption may affect platelet homeostasis, leukocyte dynamics, or erythropoiesis. Aim and Objectives: Male Wistar rats were used in this investigation to assess the effects of subchronic oral administration of Pausinystalia yohimbe methanol extract on haematological indicators, including packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and platelet count (PLT). Materials and Methods: 25 healthy male Wistar rats weighing 150–180 g were randomly assigned to one of five groups (n = 5), which included sildenafil (5 mg/kg), P. yohimbe extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and control (distilled water 5 mL/kg). For 28 days, all therapies were given orally. An automated haematology analyzer was used to examine blood samples at sacrifice. The student's t-test (SPSS v24, p < 0.05) was used to examine the data, which were presented as mean ± SE. Results: Sildenafil raised WBC (10.20 ± 0.68 vs 7.54 ± 0.67 × 10³/µL, p = 0.036) and PLT (771.0 ± 26.49 vs 607.4 ± 43.76 × 10³/µL, p = 0.013), while significantly lowering PCV (38.92 ± 1.48 vs 42.66 ± 0.59%, p = 0.047) and Hb (13.90 ± 0.69 vs 16.14 ± 0.15 g/dL, p = 0.013). Both 50 and 100 mg/kg of P. yohimbe did not result in any notable changes to the haematological system. At 200 mg/kg, however, the extract significantly decreased WBC (5.70 ± 0.31 vs 7.54 ± 0.67 × 10³/µL, p = 0.038) and Hb (13.94 ± 0.77 vs 16.14 ± 0.15 g/dL, p = 0.022), while PCV and PLT were unchanged. Conclusion: At doses < 100 mg/kg, methanolic P. yohimbe extract is harmless for the blood, but at 200 mg/kg, it may cause leukopenia and mild anemia. The results highlight a little margin of safety at elevated exposure levels.