Asian Journal of Research in Botany

Hematological and Serum electrolyte levels of albino rats administered graded concentrations (250 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Ficus capensis was assessed. Hematological parameters were analyzed with a hematological auto analyzer. Sodium, Potassium and Chloride was determined by colorimetric method while Bicarbonate was determined by titrimetric method and serum anion gap was calculated. The results obtained showed that the extract caused significant, (p˂0.05) decrease in the concentration of  RBC (4.34 ± 0.35 and 5.24 ± 0.25 (X10³/ mL)), HGB (9.46 ± 0.53 and 11.10 ± 0.17 (g/dl)), HCT/PCV (28.12 ± 0.09 and 28.93 ± 0.22 (%)), MCH (12.21 ± 0.10 and 13.16 ± 0.10 (pg)), MCHC (25.46 ±0.37 and 26.57 ± 0.28 (g/dl)) and RDW-CV (13.51 ±0.20 and 14.58 ±0.24 (%)) for the 250 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg level of administration respectively when compared to the 100 mg/kg level of administration  and control. The result also showed that WBC (6.23± 0.11 and 6.15 ± 0.06 (X10³/ mL)) and LYM (96.17 ± 0.18 and 95.49 ± 0.27(%)) concentration significantly increased (P<0.05) in rats administered the extract at 250 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg when compared to rats administered 100 mg/kg and distilled water. The result also indicated a significantly higher value p˂ 0.05 for Na, K, Cl, HC0₃ and Anion gap (166.60 ± 7.67, 5.80 ± 0.32, 113.40 ± 1.67, 17.00 ± 1.58 and 41.60 ± 9.56 m Eq/L) respectively for rat administered the extract at 250 mg/kg When compared to electrolytes at the other concentrations. The results suggests that prolong administration of the extract at 250 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg may induce some level of anaemia and antibody depression. The significant increase (p<0.05) in the mean serum anion gap at the 250% mEq/L dosage is noteworthy, and may cause some form of metabolic alkalosis.