The effect of Momordical charantia leaf extract on white blood cell count in albino rats
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Date
2010
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Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
Momordical charantia is among the most bitter fruits. Several studies revealed that this plant has anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, antifungal, anti-leukemia, anti-protozoal, antibacterial, antifertility, antiviral and hypoglycemic effects. we aim to study the effect of MC on the immune system. The study involved 25 rats and they were divided into 5 groups each comprising of 5 rats. The aqueous extract of Momordical charantia was administered orally with syringes and cannula to 4 groups (A,B,C,D) at different doses (50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 120mg/kg and 140mg/kg body weight per day respectively) to investigate its effect on white blood cells count and the last group served as the control and they were given drug vehicle (normal saline daily). The result showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in mean white blood cells count of all experimental animals when compared to the control group at the end of administration which lasted for two weeks. The decrease in white blood cells count was most significant at the highest dose administered (140mg/kg body weight). There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in mean neutrophil count of two groups (A and C) when compared to the control group, while the remaining two groups showed no significant change (p>0.05). This study showed that M.charantia caused significant changes in white blood cells count when administered orally and that this effect was probably dose dependent.
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Keywords
Momordica charantia, Extract, Orally, White blood cell count
Citation
Ojulari, L.S., Okesina, K.B., Bisiriyu, M.A. & Ayinla, M.T. (2010). The effect of Momordical charantia leaf extract on white blood cell count in albino rats. International Journal of Bioscience. 5 (3); 9-18, Published by Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria