1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
2Department of Research and Advocacy, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
*Corresponding e-mail: muneezalodhi25@gmail.com
Online published on 19 November, 2018.
Swertia chirata has been used for its medicinal purpose worldwide specifically in developing countries. People believe that medicinal plants are safe and economical; However, unaware of their toxic effects. Hematological parameters are the essential tool to assess the degree of toxicity on cellular components of blood.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Swertia chirata on hematological parameters in rats using an automated analyser.
Albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of six rats each. Group 1 was control, while group 2 (LD) and group 3 (HD) received 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight of extract respectively, orally once daily.
No significant difference was observed in the WBC count of extract treated groups(P>0.05). The HD group did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) in the RBC count, HCT, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, PDW, MPV, PLCR as compared to control and LD groups. Whereas, MCHC was decreased in the LD group (P<0.0001; P<0.05) as compared to the control and high dose groups respectively. The RDW in the LD group was significantly increased (P<0.005) as compared to the control group. The P-LCR and PDW of the LD group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) as compared to the control and HD groups.
The oral administration of Swertia chirata at low dose increases RDW and decreases MCHC, P-LCR and PDW, while no significant difference was observed at high dose on different haematological parameters.
Haematological parameters, Haemoglobin, Swertia chirata, Platelet count, Red blood cell, WBC count
