Evaluation of biochemical and hematological effect of Jatropha gossypiifolia Linn. aqueous extract on albino rats

Jatropha gossypiifolia Linn. is a small shrub widely utilized in the treatment of various diseases and ailments. In spite of its therapeutic importance, there is paucity of information on the biochemical and hematological effect of aqueous extract of this plant on albino rats. This study aims to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Jatropha gossypiifolia on biochemical markers of kidney and liver functions. Thirty males Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into six groups. Group I (the control) was dosed with distilled water, while groups II, III, IV, V, and VI were treated orally with (100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg) of J. gossypiifolia aqueous extract respectively for 2 weeks. The rats were sacrificed about 24 hours after last exposure, and some biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated. The results of biochemical parameters showed a significant dose-dependent increase in ALP and ALT values. Individual variations were observed in the levels of AST and TP values among the treatment groups. Hematological parameters result showed a significant dose-dependent increase in PCV and HG values. Individual variations were observed in the levels of WBC and RBC values among the treatment groups. The observed dose-dependent increase in levels of the serum enzymes might be due to negative interaction of the extract with the organ-system of the rats resulting in elevation of the levels of these enzymes. The study showed that although the plant extract does not exhibit acute toxicity, it is still not totally safe for human consumption.