Phytochemical Constituents and Effect on Haematological Parameters and Lipid Profile of Aqueous Extracts of Eugenia jambolana Leaves, Stem Bark and Root Bark in Normal Albino Rats

摘要

This study was designed to investigate the effect of Eugenia jambolana on haematological parameters and lipid profile being a commonly used plant in Nigerian folklore medicine. Aqueous extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of Eugenia jambolana were screened for phytochemicals and its effect on haematological parameters and lipid profile in normal albino rats were investigated. Twenty four Albino rats weighing between 150-200 kg body weights were divided into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered (50 mg/kg body weight) of leaves, stem bark and root bark respectively for 21 days. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, tannins and carbohydrates and quantitative analysis by gravimetric method showed significantly (p<0.5) higher levels of saponins and alkaloids in the aqueous extracts of leaves and root bark respectively. The aqueous extracts (leaves, stem bark and root bark) had no significant (p>0.05) effect on haematological parameters. Aqueous extracts of the root bark significantly (p<0.5) increased TC, TG and LDL-c levels and the stem bark extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced HDL-c compared to the control. All three aqueous extracts significantly (p<0.05) lowered HDL-c/TC ratio, the root bark significantly (p<0.05) increased LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and both aqueous extracts of stem bark and root bark significantly (p<0.05) increased log (TG/HDL-c) of treated groups when compared to control.