THE EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF Sabicea brevipes (RUBIACEAE) ON SELECTED HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN NORMAL HEALTHY WISTAR RATS

Abstract Background: Sabicea brevipes, a shrub of the Rubiaceae family, has been used for medicinal benefits. We examined the phytochemical components, acute toxicity, and impact of the methanol extract of Sabicea brevipes leaves on blood parameters in healthy wistar rats. Method: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed to detect and quantify bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity testing showed no toxic effects or fatalities at the highest dose (5000 mg/kg), indicating a broad safety margin. Wistar rats received oral doses of the extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 days, with distilled water as control. Blood parameters assessed included red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cell (WBC) count, and differential leukocyte count. Results: The extract significantly elevated RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV, and MCV in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting erythropoietic effects, while MCH and MCHC remained stable. The extract influenced WBC, neutrophil, basophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and monocyte counts. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, and terpenoids, with flavonoids and phenolic compounds being most abundant. Conclusion: These bioactive compounds may have contributed to the blood parameter changes. The methanol extract of Sabicea brevipes showed significant effects on haematological parameters in Wistar rats, with high safety. Keywords: Phytoconstituents, Sabicea brevipes, Acute toxicity, Haematological parameters, Erythropoietic effect