Effects of Aqueous Extract of <i>Triplochiton scleroxylon</i> on Red Blood Cells and Associated Parameters in Alloxan - Induced Diabetic Rabbits

The effect of aqueous extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon on the body weight, plasma glucose concentration and some hematological parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits were investigated. Rabbits of the same strain (New Zealand) weighing between 1.20 and 1.68kg were used. At least 100ml of the aqueous extract of the plant was administered to a set of test rabbits for a period of 28 days. Blood was collected for analyses intravenously from the larger vein at the back of the ear of the rabbits. Plasma glucose was analyzed by spectrophotometeric method. Hematological swelab auto - counter 920 E+ (UK) was used for red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width. The aqueous extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon does not have any significant effect (P>0.05) on the body weight and some hematological parameters investigated. However, plasma glucose concentration decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on the 18 th , 24 th and 28 th days of administration of herbal extract to alloxan - induced diabetic rabbits. The crude extract of this herb has an hypoglycemic properties and its use as an anti-diabetic agent may not interfere with the body weight and some hematological properties of rabbits and by extrapolation humans.