Evaluation of effect of Pterocarpus santalinus leaf extract on feed consumption, hematological and kidney indices of Wistar rats

Abstract

The primary and original source of medication development has been the plant. Long before the prehistoric period, plants were employed for medical purposes. Pterocarpus santalinus is a plant native to Asia and Africa that has long been used to treat a variety of diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Pterocarpus santalinus on rat’s feed consumption, blood and kidney. Animals of either sex were chosen. Group 1 was given distilled water (10 ml/kg), while groups 2, 3, and 4 were given Pterocarpus santalinus at concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were kept in conventional cages and provided oral access to the extract, water, and food for 28 days before being weighed and slaughtered. Blood was drawn via heart puncture and immediately sent for hematological and chemopathological investigation. The plant's histological toxic potential on the kidney was investigated using the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. There was a marginally significant (P <0.05) drop in RBC, HGB, and MCV, but no change in neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, or platelets. When compared to the control, Pterocarpus santalinus modestly (P <0.05) raised Na level at 300 mg/kg, while other parameters (K, CL, and Urea levels) were generally unaltered. Histological characteristics match haematological parameters. The result of the study showed that the Pterocarpus santalinus has little to no toxicity potential on the kidney of rats, indicating that it may be safe for human consumption.