Lagenaria siceraria is a wonderful fruit vegetable consisting of various important phytochemicals. Traditionally, it had been used as a body tonic, hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, diuretic, analgesic, purgative and anthelmintic agent. The fruits and leaves had been used to treat bronchial disorders such as pectoral cough, asthma, jaundice, baldness, headache and anaemia. In this study, pharmacological and toxicological screening of Lagenaria siceraria has been carried out to study its effects on the hematological and biochemical parameters. This study would help to determine the effects and limitations of this herb to be used as a medicine. Aqueous extract of leaves of Lagenaria siceraria (AELS) at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. was given to New Zealand white rabbits. After thirty days of dosing, the effect of the extract on hematological and liver profile was assessed. Results showed that haemoglobin (Hb), RBC count and hematocrit of Lagenaria siceraria treated rabbits were increased highly significantly (bp<0.001) when compared to normal control rabbits. WBC and platelet counts were decreased. There was a non-significant increase in MCH and MCHC and a non-significant decrease in MCV of AELS 200 and 400 mg/kg groups. The results show that AELS has significant hematopoietic and haematinic potential and can safely be used to treat anaemia.
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