Assessing the Effects of Solanum incanum Aerial Parts on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in a Rat Model

Solanum incanum is a woody, thorny, biennial herb with spherical, yellow fruits containing numerous black seeds. Belonging to the Solanaceae family, the plant is traditionally used in Arab countries for the treatment of skin and fungal diseases, toothaches, scorpion stings, and hemorrhoids. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicological and safety profile of aqueous extracts of Solanum incanum aerial parts in male albino rats at high, medium, and low doses over a period of 14 and 28 days. The rats were divided into control and experimental groups, receiving various doses of the plant extract. Hematological parameters (such as Red Blood Cell count, Hemoglobin concentration, White Blood Cell count, Hematocrit, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, Platelet Count and Lymphocyte Count) and biochemical markers (including AST, ALT, ALP, Total Protein, Glucose, and Cholesterol) were monitored to assess blood health and liver function. Statistical analysis revealed that while hematological parameters showed no significant changes (except WBC and PLT at low dose after 14 days ,  RBC and HGb at medium dose  and LYM after 28 days) , liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, ALP) decreased significantly. Glucose levels increased, and cholesterol levels decreased. These findings suggest potential hepatoprotective effects of the extract, though its impact on glucose metabolism raises concerns, particularly at higher doses. Further research is recommended.