Chemical Science International Journal

Aims: To evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum leaves on the haematological responses of albino rats.

Study Design: Packed cell volume, hemoglobin level, white blood cells and differential cell counts such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemical sciences, (Biochemistry laboratory), Afe Babalola University and Department of Biochemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria between February 2013 and march 2013.

Methodology: Sixteen albino rats with weight ranging between 100-190g were used. The rats were divided into four groups A, B, C and D; with group D as the control group. Increasing doses (100, 200 and 400mg kg^-1 body weight) of the extract were administered orally to the other three treatment group A, B and C for a period of two weeks. Standard chemical procedures were used to analyze for packed cell volume, hemoglobin level, white blood cells and differential cell counts such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils.

Results: The results show a significantly decrease in the hemoglobin level, packed cell volume, white blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes respectively. Significant (P = .05) decreases in the level of hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume were observed, whereas no significant (P > .05) differences were observed in percent neutrophils, lymphocyte and monocyte counts of the Ocimum gratissimum treated animals.

Conclusion: The result suggests that Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts administered at the dosages used and for the duration of the experiment suppress the haemopoetic system of albino rats.