Christian Okorie-Kanu - Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Daniel Edet - Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Patrick Aba - Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Onyinye Okorie-Kanu - Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

This study investigated the toxic effects of dried pulverized Caloncoba echinata leaves on the hematology, blood biochemistry and vital organs of male albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Groups A, B and C were fed ۲۵.۰۰%, ۱۵.۰۰% and ۵.۰۰% of pulverized C. echinata leaves in feed respectively while group D was given normal feed for a four weeks period. Blood samples were collected at two weeks intervals for hematological and blood biochemistry analyses. Results showed a significant reduction of packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and total red blood cell counts in group B from week two to the end of the study. There was also a reduction of body weight and leukocytosis in groups A and B from week two to the end of the study. There was a significant reduction of albumin in group B when compared to the other groups after two weeks and a significant reduction in blood glucose concentration in group A after two weeks of the feeding of the leaves to the end of the study. Discrete areas of degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes were observed in the rats of groups A and B and testicular atrophy in group B rats. It was concluded that feeding the rats with the pulverized C. echinata leaves led to a significant reduction of body weights and erythrocytic parameters, leukocytosis, hepatic and testicular injuries in the albino rats.

Blood biochemistry, Caloncoba echinata, Hematology, Histopathology, Rats