Toxicity and effects of fig (Ficus carica) leaf aqueous extract on haematology and some biochemical indices of wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The toxicity and effects of Ficus carica leaf aqueous extract on the haematology and some biochemical parameters were investigated in wistar albino rats for 4 weeks. Various doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were administered orally to the rats. The haematological parameters were determined using a Neubauer-type hemocytometer with Toisson’s solution as the diluting fluid for red blood cell (RBC) and Turk’s solution for white blood cell (WBC). The biochemical parameters and glucose level were estimated using O-toluidine method. The acute toxicity LD50 could not be established from the range of 50 to 6000 mg/kg doses of the extract. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoid, tannins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and saponins, in plant with flavonoid and tannins in high and moderate abundance. Oral LD50 was therefore not determined because mortality was not observed. The packed cell volume (PCV), RBC and hemoglobin (Hb) were significantly increased with prolonged administration of the extract. There was dose and time dependent significant decrease (p < 0.05) in neutrophils when compared with the control in the experiment. The results indicated dose-related decreases in serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the test groups (9.88±3.14b to 24.67±6.43a and 19.00±3.00a to 99.33±25.32a U/L), respectively when compared with those of the ALT and AST control 15.03±0.04a to 39.67±0.58b and 30.33±0.58d to 126.0±5.29a, respectively. F. carica aqueous extract has hepatoprotective capability and could be used at an average and prescribed dosage in consumption and drug production for enhancement of erythrocytes and haemoglobin concentration. Key words: Ficus carica, biochemical indices, haematology, albino rats, phytochemical screening.