Biochemical and haematological enhancement activities of aqueous and methanol leaves, stem and roots extracts of Chasmanthera dependens (Hochst) and Dictyandra arborescens (Welw.)

Abstract

Abstract Background Africa is blessed with rich floral biodiversity which are harnessed as herbal medicines and remedies for several ailments. Since there has been evidence of organ toxicity following prolonged ingestion of medicinal plant concotions, this study investigated the biochemical and hematological enhancement activities of aqueous and methanolic leaves, stem and roots extracts of Chasmanthera dependens (Hochst) and Dictyandra arborescens (Welw) in adult male albino rats. Results Leaves, stem and roots extracts of D. arborescens, as well as extracts of leaves and roots of C. dependens did not record any mice mortality even at 5000 mg/kg b.wt but extracts of C. dependens stem in both medium recorded death at 2900 mg/kg b. wt and 5000 mg/kg b.wt. Ingestion of the extracts by rats over a 14-day period increased (p  <  0.05) the body weights of the experimental animals in the C. dependens and D. arborescens treated groups. The relative organ weights of rats that received the extracts did not differ (p < 0.05) significantly from those of the standard and normal control. Administration of the extracts revealed significant (p < 0.05) increase in haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBCs, WBCs, MCH, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes and MCHC) at 200 mg/kg−1 body weight. For biochemical parameters, levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total protein, and albumin were not significantly (p < 0.05) elevated following administration of the extracts. Conclusion These parameters did not differ significantly from the normal and standard control. Since these extracts did not exhibit any chronic toxicity on experimental animals, suggesting no harmful effects following their use, their continuous use in ethno-medicine is therefore justified.