2018, Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part A

Materials and Methods: 70 adult Swiss albino mice of both sexes with mean weight of 22 ± 5g were used for this study. Leaves of Ficus thonningii was pulverized to coarse powder from which methanolic extract was obtained. Mice were divided into five groups comprising 3 experimental, 1 toxicity group and 1 negative control groups. The experimental group was administered with 0.2ml of 50mg/kg, 100mg/k, and 200mg/kg of methanol leaf extract of F. thonningii respectively. The negative control group was administered with 1ml of distilled water while the toxicity group was used for acute toxicity test. 1.5ml of blood was collected from the mice into EDTA bottle through cardiac puncture. Full blood count was estimated in the blood using Abacus-80 hematological analyzer.

Result: The ingestion of 50mg/kg and 200mg/kg of the extract reduces Packed Cell Volume from 31.4±0.55% to 26.3±0.077% and 15.4±0.180% respectively at P< 0.05. While ingestion of 200mg/kg of extract increases the lymphocyte value from 29.4±7.35 to 83.4±0.47%. The ingestion of 50mg/kg of the extract increases platelet count value from 99.0±0.52 x 10⁹/l to 409±0.56 x 10⁹/l at p<0.05.

Conclusion: Ingestion of methanolic leaf extract of F. thonningii alters the hematological indices and increases lymphocyte and platelet count. The extract therefore has the potential of improving immune and heamostasis system of mammals. Information provided in this study can enhance appropriate use of F. thonningii in folkloric medicine in Nigeria.