Haematological evaluation of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem ethanolic extract in rats

Background: The use of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract in medicare has gained attention since its discovery. Aim: This study sought to evaluate the haematological effect of ethanolic extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta stem in rat model. Materials and Methods: Control rats received 0.5ml of distilled water. Treated rats were administered oral doses of the extract at different concentrations (50, 150, and 250mg/kg body weight). All rats were maintained on a control diet. Treatment lasted for 21 days. Results: Red blood cells and haematological parameters were comparable in all groups. Similarly, total white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes counts were not significantly altered except in rats treated with 250mg/kg/bw of the extract. However, administration of the extract led to a dose-dependent rise in platelet counts. Conclusion: This study showed that C. sanguinolenta stem ethanolic extract presents haematological challenges on white blood cells and platelets. It showed localized systemic toxicity by selectively stimulating the bone marrow.