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Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Year: 2008 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 111-118
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Authors

M.G. Abukakar

A.N. Ukwuani

R.A. Shehu

Keywords

Research Article

An Evaluation of the Toxic Effects of Tamarindus indica Pulp Extract in Albino Rats

M.G. Abukakar, A.N. Ukwuani and R.A. Shehu
The effects of graded doses of Tamarindus indica pulp extract on the haematological, toxicological and histopathological indices in rats were evaluated. Hematological parameter was determined using micro-hematocrit method and Neubauer hemocytometer counting chamber. The haematological parameters (PCV, WBC, Lymphocytes and Monocytes) of the treated groups showed no significant difference (p< 0.05) when compared with the control. Although there was a significant increase (p< 0.05) (p< 0.01) in the nuetrophils in group 3 and 4 and decrease (p< 0.05) (p< 0.01) in eosinophils at group 4 and 5, respectively. There was no fatality recorded in the acute toxicity tests when the animals received 900-4500 mg kg-1 body weight of the extract, however the higher doses of the extract (2700-4500 mg kg-1 body weight) exhibited some behavioral changes in the rats such as aggressive scratching of the body and mouth part, anorexia, mild restlessness and sensitive to slight sound. There was no significant difference (p< 0.05) in the toxicological parameters investigated when compared with the control. The gastro intestinal tract revealed no apparent congestion or hemorrhage while the histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed no visible lesions indicating its non toxic effect to these organs. These results have provided scientific evidence to justify the safety of this plant in tradition medicine.
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