Anti-Haemolytic Potentials of the Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Dracaena Arborea on Zidovudine-Induced Hemolysis in Wistar Albino Rats
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Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-hemolytic impact of the ethanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea on zidovudine induced hemolysis in Wistar Albino rats. Sixteen rats were randomly separated into four groups; group A served as a control while groups B, C and D were treated with (0.5mg/100g body weight) of the leaf extract, (0.4mg/100g body weight) of zidovudine and a combination of (0.5mg/100g body weight) of the leaf extract and (0.4mg/100g body weight) of zidovudine respectively. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) change in the obtained values of erythrocyte fragility from (0.45±0.1ab) in group A to, (0.53±0.1a), (0.35±0.1b) and (0.40±0.1ab) in groups B, C and D respectively. For the packed cell volume, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in value when the plant extract was administered was observed ;( 43.50 ± 3.9a) as compared to the control (37.67 ± 2.51b) as well as a significant (p < 0.05) decrease when zidovudine alone was administered (27.50 ± 3.4c). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in PCV in the group taking both combinations (35.75 ± 3.3b) when compared to the control. The result equally showed a significant elevation in the obtained values of white blood cell count from (5.30±1.0b) in group A, to (5.78±0.6b), (11.63±2.4a) and (9.40±2.4a) in groups B,C and D respectively. For RBC, there is a significant increase in its value in group B (5.4750±0.6a) as compared to the control (4.53±1.1ab). A significant decrease was also observed in groups C ((2.98±0.4c) and D (3.73±0.5bc). For haemoglobin concentration, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the values obtained in groups B (10.53±0.1b ) and C (9.18±1.1b) when compared to group A(12.57±0.8a),while group D showed no significant difference from A. These results suggest that the ethanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea may not only possess anti-hemolytic properties, but also stimulate the haematopoietic system and reduce oxidative damage to red blood cells.