Erythrocyte profile of male balb/c mice (Mus musculus L.) treated with aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of chichirica [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don]

The number, hemoglobin levels as well as the integrity of the membrane of erythrocytes in mice orally administered with three doses (100, 200, 300 mL/kg body weight) for each of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Catharunthus roseus (L.) G. Don were investigated. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared using the traditional homogenization method and the distillation process with 95% ethanol as solvent, respectively. Treatment was done on Days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Collection of blood was done by drawing from the caudal vein on Days 0 (pretreatment day), 2, 4 and 7. Erythrocytes were counted through a hemacytometer and microhematocrit, haemoglobin levels were analysed using spectrophotometer while cell membrane was qualitatively observed through the aid of a microscope. Results showed no significant change in the number of red blood cells in mice treated with aqueous extracts. Further, microhematocrit reading and haemoglobin level showed no significant decline. Cell membrane also showed no significant aberrations. Similarly, ethanolic extracts showed no significant change in the number of red blood cells of mice. However, significant decline was observed in microhematocrit reading and haemoglobin level. The red blood cells of mice treated with ethanolic extracts observed under 400x magnification revealed membrane "leakiness" in the cell contour. The study revealed the potential depressing effect of ethanolic extracts of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don on the number, haemoglobin level and cell membrane integrity of red blood cells which may be similar to its effects on white blood cells.