Effects of some plants of the spurge family on haematological and biochemical parameters in rats

The effects of five suspected poisonous plants of the spurge family (euphorbiaceae) i.e. alchornea cordifolia Schum and Thorn, Cnidoscolus acontifolius Mill, Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thorn, Phyllanthus muelleriarus Exell and securinega virosa Baill, which are commonly found in Nigerian pasture were evaluated in albino rats using crude aqueous extracts for 14 days.All the extracts were administered orally.Changes in haematological and biochemical parameters were used as indices of toxicosis.The extracts of the plants caused a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the levels of PCV and haemoglobin concentration.All except C. acontifolius caused a significant reduction in RBC level.The extract of four plants (a.cordifolia, C. acontifolius, P. amarus and P. muellerianus) caused significant changes of the total white blood cells when compared to that of the control.The extracts also caused a significant increase in the levels of total protein, albumin and AST activity.The extracts of a. cordifolia, P. muellerianus and s. virosa caused a significant increase in the level of ALT.Only P. muellerianus and s. virosa produced significant changes in the globulin level.