Ameliorative properties of aqueous extract of Ficus thonningii on erythrocyte osmotic fragility induced by acetaminophen in Rattus norvegicus

In vitro antioxidant and erythrocyte protecting activities by aqueous extract of Ficus thonningii leaves on blood cells were studied in acetaminophen treated rats. The extract was safe at limit dose of ۵۰۰۰ mg kg-۱body weight. The extract demonstrated dose dependent antihemolytic effect at dose levels between ۵۰ and ۲۰۰ mg kg-۱ body weight. The lowest antihemolytic effect was observed at dose level of ۲۰۰ mg kg-۱ body given the lowest percentage hemolysis of ۱۰.۵۳ ± ۱.۷۶%, whereas the highest percentage hemolysis at dose level of ۵۰ mg kg-۱ was ۲۹.۰۲ ± ۷.۴۵%. Hematology revealed erythrocytosis at dose levels of ۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg kg-۱ body weight. Hyper-globinemia and lymphocytopenia were observed at dose levels of ۱۰۰ mg kg-۱ and ۲۰۰ mg kg-۱, respectively. The extract effectively showed scavenging activity on a stable oxidative radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and a significant ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity. The plausible erythrocyte membrane protective effect may be due to its free radical scavenging activity and hence the extract can be used to improve hematological parameters and ameliorate oxidative stress.