Antioxidant Properties and Effect of Abrus precatorius Leaves Extract on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rats

Background Abrus precatorius (A. precatorius) is a herbal remedy commonly used in traditional medicine. We investigated the phytochemical, antioxidant, toxic properties, and safety of A. precatorius leaves in rats. Methods Phytochemical studies were conducted using standard procedures. The antioxidant properties were studied using the reducing power and 2, 2′- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays. The effect of the extract on biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated after the oral administration of the extract at daily doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of the rats’ body weight for 28 days. Results Saponin was the most abundant (202.25±9.25 mg/100g) while alkaloids (9.69±0.34 mg/100g) were the least phytochemical content of A. precatorius. The extract had an LD50 value of >5000 mg/kg, demonstrating significant reducing power and DPPH scavenging activities (IC50 = 106.22 μg/mL). The extract significantly decreased the serum bilirubin and AST concentrations but increased the total proteins concentration compared with the controls (p<0.05). Urea, creatinine, ALP, ALT, chloride and albumin concentrations in the treated rats were not significantly different from those of the controls (p>0.05). The 600 mg/kg dose significantly increased the Hb, PCV, RBC and MCHC of the treated rats, compared to those of the controls (p<0.05). All doses of the extract tested significantly increased the platelet count but did not alter the counts of MCV, MCH, TWBC, RDW, lymphocyte and neutrophils (p<0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated that the A. precatorious leaves possess antioxidant and erythropoietic properties. It was also found to be relatively safe with regards to the liver and kidney integrity at concentrations up to 600 mg/kg body weight of the rats.