| Abstract: | The effect of an aqueous leaf extract of Cassia alata (Linn.) on haematological indices in albino rats was studied. Increasing doses (10, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight) of the extract were administered orally to different groups of rats daily for a period of 14 days. Significant dose-dependent decreases in the levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and erythrocyte count (p < 0.05) were observed. In addition, increased packed cell volume (PCV) mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were also observed. However, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) did not show any change. Clinical symptoms of loss of appetite, emaciation and loss of weight in the treated rats indicated toxicity. The observed symptoms of toxicity have been discussed in relation to the saponin content of the plant extract. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
