Effect of Sansevieria liberica Gerome and Labroy on Plasma Chemistry and Hematological Indices of Salt-Loaded Rats

The effect of aqueous extract of Sansevieria liberica on plasma marker enzymes, plasma chemistry and hematological profiles of salt-loaded rats were studied. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the four test groups received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed all through, except for the reference treatment group that had its salt-loading discontinued after six weeks. The extract was orally administered daily at 200 and 250mg/kg body weight; while the test control, reference and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. The extract had no negative effects on the liver and kidney functions, produced significantly (P<0.05) higher plasma calcium and potassium levels, red cell and white cell counts, and significantly (P<0.05) lower plasma sodium and chloride levels in the test animals compared to test control. These results support the use of the plant in the management of hypertension, while suggesting that the extract may be a potassium sparing diuretic whose antihypertensive action may be mediated by alteration of plasma sodium and potassium balances or calcium induced alteration in muscle tone.