The effect of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract on the haematology, amylase and lipase activities in Wistar rats exposed to 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine

Acalypha wilkesiana is traditionally used for different ailments. Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is an environmental pollutant which pose significant risks to human health. Any process or factors that diminish pancreatic blood flow reduces pancreatic secretions and thus impact health. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of A. wilkesiana leaf extract on haematological indices, amylase and lipase activities in Wistar rats exposed to DMH. A. wilkesiana leaves were extracted with ethanol using maceration method. Dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg) was subcutaneous injected three times a week for 6 weeks to induce colon tumours in rats, followed by oral administration of three doses of A. wilkesiana. The rats were divided into six groups with normal control, DMH control, DMH + Xeloda, (DMH + 200; DMH + 400 and DMH + 800) mg/kg. After 6 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed, blood was recovered for haematology and biochemical analysis. Amylase was significantly lower, while lipase increased in DMH (p < 0.05) rats compared to normal control. However, amylase and lipase were near normal control levels in the extract treated groups with the higher dose having higher values. Haematology also reflected the ameliorating effects of the leaf extract against DMH. The histology of the pancreas confirmed the toxicity of DMH and the ameliorating effects of the leaf extract. This study, indicates that A. wilkesiana ethanol leaf extract influenced the haematological indices and enzyme activities of DMH-induced rats in dose dependant manner.