Biochemical and Haematological Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Sida cordifolia in Plasmodium beighei Infected Wistar Rats

Abstract

Assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters can be predictive of the adverse effects resulting from ingesting foreign substances. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and haematological indices in Plasmodium beighei infected wistar rats.  Freshly harvested leaves of Sida cordifolia were washed and dried at room temperature, after which they were ground to fine powder and subsequently extracted. Twenty-five adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control and was administered 2 ml of distilled of water. Group II was infected without treatment, while Group III and IV were infected and afterwards administered 200 and 400 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia respectively. Group V was administered the standard drug. Biochemical and haematological indices were determined using standard procedures. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) reported for group II (negative) control was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that reported for the normal control. However, oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of Sida cordifolia leaf extract significantly (P<0.05) increased it, though to a level which was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that reported for the normal control. Similar observation was made on Haemoglobin Concentration (Hb) and Red Blood Cell (RBC). However, a contrary observation was made on the white blood cell. Urea and creatinine reported for the negative control were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those reported for the normal control. However, the aforementioned parameters were significantly (P<0.05) reduced following oral administration of Sida cordifolia. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that Sida cordifolia leaf extract has the ability to restore distorted haematological and biochemical status resulting from P. berghei infection.