HEAMATOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF KALANCHOE PINNATA EXTRACTS AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE (CCL4) INDUCED TOXICITY IN MALE WISTAR RATS

The ethanolic extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Bryophyllum pinnatum) was assessed for haematological and immunological effects in male Wistar rats exposed to CCl₄-induced toxicity. Forty-two rats were randomly allocated into seven groups: a normal control group, a CCl₄-induced negative control group, three treatment groups (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg extract administered post-induction), a silymarin-treated positive control group, and a prophylactic group pre-treated with extract. The plant extract was administered orally for 30 days, while CCl₄ was injected intraperitoneally. An automated haematology analyser was utilised to assess the liver-to-body weight ratio, white blood cell indices, and various other blood parameters. The findings demonstrated that CCl₄ exposure resulted in hepatotoxicity, as indicated by an increased liver-to-body weight ratio and significant decreases in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell count, indicating anaemia. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, thrombocytosis, and modified leukocyte differentials indicated inflammatory and immunological impairment. The extract of Kalanchoe pinnata enhanced these alterations in a dose-dependent manner. Elevated doses (400 and 600 mg/kg) restored normal blood levels, reduced liver size, and normalised white blood cell markers, akin to silymarin. The extract markedly increased mean corpuscular indices, indicating improved erythropoiesis and defence against oxidative haemolysis. The plant contains numerous phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are beneficial due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and membrane-stabilizing effects. Kalanchoe pinnata exhibits hematoprotective and immunomodulatory effects against CCl₄-induced toxicity, supporting its traditional uses and suggesting its potential as a natural treatment for toxin-induced haematological and immunological problems.