Evaluation of Changes in Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Albino Rats Following Subacute Oral Administration of Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) Extract

Background: Cinnamomum cassia stem bark is used traditionally for the treatment of digestive disorders, diabetes and to alleviate symptoms of cold or flu.

Aim: The present study evaluated biochemical and haematological changes in male albino rats after exposure to the stem bark ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum cassia (SBECC).

Study Design: An experimental study which lasted for 19 days.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Animal House, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, between April 2019 and August 2019.

Methodology: Twenty (20) rats weighing 130-170 g were used. Graded doses (100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight) of the SBECC were orally administered to the animals in groups B, C and D respectively, once daily for 18 days. Group A served as the normal control and received only the vehicle (5ml/kg of 0.25N sodium carbonate). On Day 19, body weights of the rats were measured and blood samples obtained via retro-orbital puncture, were placed into plain tubes and tri-potassium ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (K3EDTA) containers for biochemical and haematological studies respectively.

Results: Weight gain was observed in all treatment groups and control. The highest and lowest percentage weight gain was observed in Group C (51%) and Group B (33%) respectively. All the doses of the extract significantly decreased serum cholesterol levels when compared to the control (P<0.05). Treatment with 400mg/kg SBECC (Group D) significantly increased serum Alkaline phosphatase (224.00±12.88iu/l) and creatinine levels (85.60±7.40) when compared to the control (140.00±26.47 and 63.60±7.60 respectively) (P<0.05), whereas treatment with 200mg/kg SBECC significantly increased urea and creatinine levels (P<0.05). No significant changes were observed in the haematological parameters of the treated rats compared to the control.

Conclusion: Sub-acute oral administration of Cinnamomum cassia stem bark extract at doses lower than 500 mg/kg may not exert toxic effects on haematological parameters but can alter some serum biochemical parameters in rats.