Effect of leaf extract of Terminalia catappa on haematological profile in poloxamer induced hypercholesterolemia in Wistar rats

This research was aimed at assessing the effect of the administration of ethanol extract of Terminalia catappa, on haematological indices following poloxamer induced hypercholesterolemia in male Wistar rats. Thirty- five (35) Wistar male rats were allowed to acclimatize for a period of 7 days, in a well-ventilated room at room temperature and relative humidity of 29°C and 70% respectively with 12 hours natural light-dark cycle. They were allowed food and water ad libitum. Good hygiene was maintained by daily cleaning and removal of faeces and spills from their cages. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 7 rats each. Group A: were fed with standard chow and distilled water (NC). Group B: were induced with 1.0mg/kg dose of P-407 without treatment (HC). Group C: were induced with 1.0 mg/kg dose of P-407 and treated with atorvastatin (ATV) at 20mg/kg body weight/day Group D: were induced with 1.0mg/kg dose of P-407 and treated with leaves extract (HLE) at 100mg/kg body weight/day Group E: were induced with 1.0mg/kg dose of P-407 and treated with leaf extract (HLE) at 200mg/kg body weight/ day. The dose regimens were administered once daily for 14 days. The rats were monitored for clinical signs and death.  The result reveals that there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in RBC, Hb and WBC when compared to the normal, standard and hypercholesterolemic group in the group treated with T. catappa ethanol extract. Similarly, there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in PCV when compared with the normal, standard and hypercholesterolemic control. On the other hand, the extract produced no significant(P<0.05)  difference in serum MCV, MCH and MCHC, neutrophil, platelet and lymphocytes when compared with the normal, standard and hypercholesterolemic control.It can be inferred from this present research work that T. catappa contains some phytochemical, and/or neutraceuticals with haematopoietic and immunomodulatory effect which may trigger or boost the defense system against invasion by  either pathogens or pathogenic organisms in poloxamer induced hypercholesterolemic rats.