Effect of Selected Yoruba Medicinal Formulations on Certain Haematological Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats

Yoruba medicinal formulations derived from plant extracts are fast becoming one of the most widely consumed medicinal formulation in the rural areas of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to screen and evaluate the effect of these medicinal formulations on cetain haematological parameters of wistar albino rats. Sixty-four rats irrespective of sex were used in this study. They were divided into six groups (control and Groups A-E); with groups A-E split into three groups for testing at week 2, 4 and 6. Each sub group contained four rats and was administered 2.9μl/Kg B.W of each medicinal formulation. Cage side examination was done daily to observe overt signs of toxicity (salivation, lacrimation, yellowing of fur etc). The formulation resulted in a significant increase then reduction in the body weight. The haematological parameters surveyed increased significantly at p < 0.05, most especially the WBC count. The increase in WBC also affirmed the presence of toxins in this formulation. The histological findings of the liver sections indicated gross cirrhosis, degeneration, inflammation and apoptosis in the experimented groups as compared to the control group. These findings suggest that, despite the reported and acclaimed benefits of this formulation, irrespective of the source, its use as a medicinal formulation should be with extreme caution. Regulation of dose and frequency of consumption of this formulation may reduce its toxic side effects