Effect of Hexane Extracts of Chromolaena odorata (Linn.) on Hematotoxicity Induced by Cyanide in Male Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: To investigate the effect of Hexane extract of Chromolaena odorata (HECO) on cyanide induced hematotoxicity in male Albino Wistar rats.

Methodology: Thirty-five (35) male albino rats weighing between 100g and 150g were distributed randomly into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 which comprised of normal rats received distilled water and served as the normal control, while groups 2-7 comprised of rats exposed to Potassium cyanide (KCN) (3 mg/kg). Group 2 received no treatment and served as the negative control. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg of HECO respectively. Group 6 received 200 mg/kg HECO and 200 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate while group 7 was treated with a sodium thiosulphate (200 mg/kg), an established antidote, and served as the positive control. All administrations were done via the oral route and lasted for 14 days. Complete blood count was conducted after the experimental period. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukeys multiple comparisons test and P < .05 was considered significant.

Results: Results obtained indicate Red cell indices and white blood cell and differential were all significantly raised (P < .05) in treated rats relative to the negative control rats. Platelet value and Mean corpuscular volume were raised and lowered respectively during induction by the treatments, however, no statistical significance (P < .05) was observed. The results therefore suggest that C. odorata could be valuable in the management of the hematological changes induced by cyanide.

Conclusion: HECO reversed the adverse hematological changes in rats induced by cyanide at 100, 150 and 200 doses, with the 200 mg dose being more effective.