Haemato-Biochemical and Oxidative Responses of Adult Wistar Rats to Methanolic Extracts of Abrus precatorius Linn Leaves

In the present study, we explored the hematological, biochemical and oxidative chanes caused by the administration of 70% methanolic leaf extracts of A. precatorius to adult wistar rats in sub-acute and sub chronic study of 28 and 90 days respectively. Treatment with varying doses of the extract caused a significant increase in red blood cell counts and packed cell volume when compared to the control values. The biochemical parameters studied at the end of the 28-day treatment varied within the control range, however, following the 90-day treatment the parameters showed significant upward derangement, especially serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, mean plasma total bilirubin concentrations and mean plasma conjugated bilirubin concentrations, indicative of organ injury. The extract at all doses provided significant protection against hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In conclusion, the extract had positive haematopoietic property but should not be taken for a long time due to its effect on the liver enzymes. Also the extract has shown potential as an antioxidant and thus may be useful in the prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress.