Haematological profile of rats treated with aqueous extracts of common dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale Weber) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) toxicity

The effect of aqueous extract of common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) on the hematological profile of Wistar Albino rats poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was investigated. Results of this study revealed an elevation in the levels of White Blood Cell (WBC) and Bilirubin and a decrease in Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Hemoglobin (Hb) occasioned by CCl4 relative to control samples. The increase in the WBC is attributed to stimulation of the immune system response caused by the toxicity of CCl4; there was also an indication of anemia and hemolysis in the blood of the experimental rats. After three weeks of oral administration of 100mL and 200mL aqueous extract of common Dandelion, there was significant decreasing (p<0.05) in WBC and Bilirubin levels, with a corresponding increase on PCV and Hb. It was also observed that the functional recovery of these blood indices is concentration dependent. The efficacy claims of common Dandelion by traditional healers can further be validated in this study.

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