Effect of Aqueous Extract of Ficusexasperata Leaf on the Body Weightand Haematological Parameters of Wistar Rats

Abstract

The effect of aqueous extract of the leaf of Ficusexasperata administered at 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 14 days was investigated on body weight and haematological parameters of Wistar rats. The extracts at all doses had no significant effect on the red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HB), packed cell volume (PCV) when compared with the animals in the control group. In contrast, the extract at all doses caused a significant reduction in white blood cells (WBC), and platelets (PLC) as well as the body weight. These observable alterations in some parameters were indications that the aqueous extract of the leaf of Ficusexasperata possess slight toxicity. This indicates that the aqueous extract of the leaf may not be completely safe as oral remedies.