Hematological and Blood Glucose Regulatory Properties of Methanolic Extract of Capsicum Annuum (Chilli Pepper) in Rats
- November 4, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRSI, Psychology
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue X, October 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705
Nkpurukwe C.I., Odia, K.M*, Bekinbo, M. T.
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author
Abstract:- The aim of the study was to determine the effects of methanolic extract of Capsicum annum (chilli) on haematological parameters and blood glucose level in wistar rats. A total of 30 male rats were used. The animals were divided into five groups of five animals each. Group 1 served as control and was not treated. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with 5mg/kg; 10 mg/kg; 15mg/kg and 20mg/kg respectively of the capsicum annum extract. All administrations were done orally for four weeks. At the end of the study, blood samples were obtained from the animals by cardiac puncture method. After specified laboratory screenings and statistical analysis of the values obtained, the result revealed that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in white blood cell count of groups 4 and 5, however, group 2 showed significant decrease compared to the control. On WBC differentials, monocyte levels for groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were found to be significantly (p<0.05) reduced. The red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly elevated (p<0.05) as well as the haematocrit levels. However, the platelets values of all treated groups showed significant (p<0.05) decreases in groups 3, 4 and 5(i.e. 10mg/kg, 15mg/kg and 20mg/kg dose treated groups respectively). Groups 3, 4 and 5 had significant (p<0.05) decreases in blood glucose level. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Capsicum annum (chilli) can be considered safe to boosts haematological profile and moderate doses have the potential to attenuate blood glucose level in Wistar rats.
Keywords: Capsicum annum, haematological parameters, haematocrit