AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF COLOCASIA ESCULENTA LEAVES (COCOYAM LEAVES) ON THE PLATELETS AND WHITE BLOOD CELLS COUNT OF SALBUTANOL-INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INJURY IN WISTAR RATS
Abstract
Abstract
Myocardial injury remains a major pathological condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is often characterized by cardiac tissue damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hematological alterations, including changes in platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Salbutamol, a β₂-adrenergic agonist commonly used in the management of bronchospasm, has been reported to induce myocardial injury when administered in high doses or for prolonged periods. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of ethanol extract of Colocasia esculenta leaves on platelet and WBC counts in salbutamol-induced myocardial injury in Wistar rats.
Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received distilled water only; Group II was the negative control and received salbutamol (2 mg/kg) to induce myocardial injury; Groups III, IV, and V received salbutamol followed by oral administration of ethanol extract of Colocasia esculenta leaves at graded doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 14 days. Blood samples were collected for hematological analysis, focusing on platelet and total white blood cell counts.
Results showed that salbutamol administration caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in platelet count and an elevation in WBC count compared with the control group, indicating systemic inflammation and hematological imbalance. Treatment with Colocasia esculenta extract produced a dose-dependent normalization of these parameters, with the highest dose (400 mg/kg) showing the most pronounced improvement. The extract’s ameliorative effect may be attributed to its rich phytochemical constituents, including flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Colocasia esculenta leaves exhibits protective and restorative effects on hematological parameters in salbutamol-induced myocardial injury in rats, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing myocardial and hematological disorders associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
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