Effects of Ethanol Extract of Unripe Annona muricata (l.) Fruits on the Haematological and Histopathological Parameters in Swiss Albino Rats Infected with Salmonella typhi

Background: In addition to the problems of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, toxicity depicts the state of adverse effects caused by the interaction of toxicants with cells. Similarly, blood components are exposed to significant concentrations of toxic compounds as they form the medium for their transport.

Aims: To study the effects of ethanol extract of unripe Annona muricata fruits on the haematological and histopathological parameters in Swiss albino rats infected with Salmonella typhi.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, between June 2014 and December 2014.

Methodology: Matured unripe fruits of A. muricata were collected, dried, powdered and extracted using 70% ethanol. Eighteen rats of same age between 170-220 g in weight were selected and divided into six groups containing three each. The infectivity dose (ID) was determined using the clinical Salmonella typhi obtained from Don Bosco Catholic Hospital, Akure. The dose of the A. muricata fruit extract (400 mg/kg) used in this study was administered orally for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were fasted overnight. Then blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for haematological studies and there after sacrificed. Organs (liver, heart, kidney and spleen) were excised for relative organ weight analysis and histopathological studies.

Results: The infectious dose (ID) of S. typhi on experimental rats in this study was 6.8x106 cfu/ml while the weights of liver, heart and spleen in all groups were not significantly different from the control. However, a significant increase in the heart was observed in group given the extract and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin). The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Haemoglobin (Hb) of rats treated with extract and ciprofloxacin increased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the control while a non-significant decrease was observed in the Red Blood Cell (RBC) of rats administered only extract and ciprofloxacin after treatment. White Blood Cells (WBC) of rats given the extract significantly reduced while there was no significant difference in the lymphocyte count of rat administered the extract of A. muricata and ciprofloxacin. Neutrophils of rats in all groups significantly increased (p<0.05). However, the monocyte and eosinophil level were not significantly different from the control. Minimal disruption and reduction in nuclear clumping were observed in the liver of rats infected/treated with the extract. Similarly, there were prominent improvements in the glomerula architecture as well as the white and red pulp of the spleen after treatment with the extract of A. muricata.

Conclusion: The extract stimulated blood production and possessed restorative effect on various organs examined. However, excessive use might be toxic to the heart.