This study was carried out to determine the effects of ethanol roots extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on haematological indices of male albino wistar rats. Twenty (20) albino wistar rats weighing between 151-225g were used for the study. The rats were divided into four groups of five each based on body weight. Group I served as the control. Groups II, III and IV were administered varying concentrations (100, 250 and 500mg respectively) of ethanol roots extract of Jatropha tanjorensis. The administration was done daily for 14 days. The haematological indices analysed include Red blood cells (RBC), White blood cells (WBC), Haemoglobin (HGB), Haematocrit (HCT), Mean cell volume (MCV), Mean cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Platelets count (PLT), Lymphocytes (LYM) and Neutrophil count. The study revealed a significant (P 0.05) increase in White blood cell (WBC) count, Red blood cell (RBC) count and Haemoglobin (HGB) count in the groups administered the extract compared to the control group. There were also significant (P 0.05) increase in the values of Haematocrit, Platelet count and Lymphocyte in the treated groups than the control. The values of MCV, MCH and MCHC in groups II and III were not significantly (P 0.05) different from the control while that of group IV was significantly (P 0.05) higher than the control group. For the values of NEUT, it was observed that there was no significant (P 0.05) different between the treated groups and the control group. This study suggests that Jatropha tanjorensis roots possess the required ingredients capable of boosting the immune system and could prevent other opportunistic diseases associated with decreased immunity. The extract may be useful in the treatment and management of anaemia as well as improving the immune system in humans.
Keywords: Haematocrit, Haemoglobin, Jatropha tanjorensis roots extract, Red blood cells, white blood cells
