Analysis of haematological effects of Picralima nitida.

The protective effects of the leaf powder of Picralima nitida in male rats were evaluated to establish its haematopoietic potential. To achieve this, albino rats (n = 30), weighing 120 - 160g were grouped into 5, labelled A to E. Groups C and D were intraperitoneally induced for anaemia with 0.1mg/kg body weight (b.wt) of phenyl hydrazine for 7 day. Groups A and B and C and D orally received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt of Picralima nitida leaf extract respectively for 14 days. Group E served as the control. Blood sample (5.0ml) was collected from each rat on days 8 and 15 and dispensed into ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid containers for haemogram using haematology auto analyser. The result showed that on day 8, Picralima nitida leaf extract produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Hct) when compared with the control. On day 15, Picralima nitida leaf extract produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in the red blood cell (RBC), Hb and Hct when compared with the experimental control. The results indicate time-dependent haematopoiesis.

Assessment of hepatic functions, hematopoietic cytokines and haematological parameters in people occupationally exposed to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons.

Humans are occupationally exposed to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons through inhalation and ingestion. To access the effect of exposure to volatile hydrocarbons, hematopoietic cytokines, haematological parameters and hepatic functions were assayed for in 100 subjects. Male participants showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in erythropoietin, interleukin-3, alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell volume (MCV) and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in mean cell hemoglobin (MCH). Female participants showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in interleukin-3, ALT, AST, ALP, MCHC, MCV and significant decrease (p < 0.05) in MCH, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to their controls. Exposure to volatile petroleum hydrocarbons raised the absolute red blood cell indices and liver enzymes and could stimulate combined increase in the release of erythropoietin and interleukin-3 leading to ineffective hematopoiesis.