Comparative effects of ethanolic extracts of Ficus carica and Mucuna pruriens leaves on haematological parameters in albino rats

The comparative effects of the ethanolic extracts of Ficus carica and Mucuna pruriens on haematological parameters were investigated in albino rats. The animals were divided into three main groups: group 1 which served as the control, received 5.0ml/kg body weight of normal saline, while groups 2 and 3 received a daily administration (per os) of 200mg/k/g body weight of extracts of M. pruriens and F. carica respectively for 14 days. Results showed that the extracts significantly increased the haemoglobin concentration, PCV and red blood cell count by the 14th day when compared with the control (p<0.05). F. carica was found to be more effective than M. pruriens in elevating the red blood cell count, especially by the 14th day. The two extracts , however, significantly decreased the total white blood cell count, as well as the percentage neutrophils, when compared with the control group (p<0.05), but not significant between test groups, even by the 14th day. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates in both plants. Tannins were present in F. carica but not in M. pruriens. These results thus justify the ethnobotanical use of these plants as blood building herbs.