Effects of Aqueous Pod Extract of Acacia nilotica on White blood cells, Platelets and Clotting time in albino Rats

OBJECTIVE: The study was design to determine the effects of aqueous pod extract of A. nilotica on some hematological parameters in albino rats.
METHODS: The Pods of Acacia nilotica were air dried at room temperature for three (3) weeks. The crushing of the pods was done in the laboratory using pestle and mortar. 200 grams of powdered pod was weighed and mixed with distil water in conical flask. The mixture was shaken and boiled for 1 hour before it was filtered. The filtrate was then concentrated in a rotatory evaporator and stored at 4^oC until used. 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous pod extract was administered to the rats daily for 21 days and the WBC count, platelet count and clotting time was taken at weekly interval.
RESULTS: The aqueous extract of A. nilotica in treated rats found to significantly (p<0.05) increased WBC count when compared to the control group. The increased was more in the group treated with the highest dose of the extract. Exposure of rats to various doses of the pod extracts of A. nilotica, significantly (p<0.05) increased the mean platelets values, which appears to be dose dependent. The clotting time was significantly (p<0.05) increased in all the groups treated with various doses of the extract at day 21.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that aqueous pod extract of A. nilotica was found to have immuno stimulatory effects and anti-haemostatic properties and it usage in folk medicine for treatment of various ailments is justified.

Author(s): Umaru, B, Saka. S, Mahre M.B, Dogo H.M, Ojo, N.A, and Onyiyili, P.A.

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