Protective Role of Leptadenia Hastata on the Haematological and Biochemical Alterations in Adrenaline-Induced Hypertensive Rats

Background: Leptadenia hastata (L. Hastata) is a plant used for various diseases in Nigeria. This study evaluated the protective effects of L. hastate on the haematological and biochemical alterations in adrenaline-induced hypertensive rats. Methods: Twenty-five rats were divided equally into five groups (A-E). Groups A-D were given 0.5 mg/kg adrenaline, groups A and B were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg the extract of L. Hastata, respectively, while groups C and D were treated with 5 mg/kg amlodipine (standard control) and normal saline (untreated control), respectively. Group E were given distilled water (normal controls). The adrenaline was injected intraperitoneally while the extract was given orally once daily for seven days. Results: Treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract significantly reduced the elevated serum albumin, ALP, ALT, AST, chloride, sodium and creatinine, cholesterol and LDL concentrations compared with the untreated hypertensive rats. The bicarbonate level, WBC and RBC counts, mean cell hemoglobin and packed cell value were higher in rats treated with the extract compared with the untreated hypertensive rats. The mean cell value, HDL, triglyceride, urea, potassium, total and direct bilirubin concentrations in experimental groups were not significantly different from those in the controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that treatment of the hypertensive rats with the extract of L. Hastata protects against renal, hepatic and cardiac damages, thus it could be considered as a natural anti-hypertensive agent. Further studies are required to identify the bioactive constituents and the mechanism(s) of action.