Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the hematopoietic propensity of ethanolic leaf extract of Colocasia esculenta in wistar rats. Fifteen rats used for the experiment were acclimatized for seven days were divided into three groups of five rats each. Animals in group A were administered saline solution, those in group B were administered 250 mg/kg body weight of C. esculenta leaf extract, while those in group C were administered 500 mg/kg body weight of C. esculenta leaf extract. The administration was done 12 hourly for twenty-eight days via oral route since the plant is consumed orally. At the end of the treatment, animals were fasted overnight and anaesthetized using diethyl ether. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. A significant increase was observed in the PCV, Hb, RBC, MCV, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts of control animals when compared with those treated with leaf extract of C. esculenta at p<0.05. The significant increase observed in the erythrocyte parameters of animals used in this study indicates that C. esculenta leaves have haematopoietic properties and can be used to boost blood level especially in menstruating and pregnant women as well as anaemia patients. Its ability to significantly increase white blood cell parameters is an indication that C. esculenta leaves can boost the immune system and thus defend the body against xenobiotics.