Hematoprotective and Gastroprotective Effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Linn)-Supplemented Diet in Male Wistar Rats

Aims: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) is a plant known to possess very high phenolic compound. The study evaluated hematological indices, anti-oxidative properties and gastroprotective potentials of CA leaf-supplemented diet.

Methodology: Male Wistar rats weighing between 80-100 g were divided into 5 groups of n=18. Group 1 animals were fed with normal diet and groups 2-5 were fed with diets supplemented with 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% of C. aconitifolius powdered leaves continuously for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Hematological indices were examined in the whole blood plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Catalase (CAT) were investigated, and changes in stomach architecture were also examined via histology.

Results: There was a progressive increase in weight gain at different weeks of feeding with Cnidoscolus aconitifolius-supplemented diet (CAD). Malondialdehyde level decreased (p<0.05) significantly in 1% CAD at 8 weeks of feeding when compared to normal diet group. Glutathione at the 8th and 12th weeks of feeding with 1% CAD and 10% CAD significantly (p<0.05) decreased when compared to the group fed normal diet. Catalase activity increased (p<0.05) significantly in 1%, 2.5% and 5% CAD groups when compared to the group fed normal diet at 4 weeks of feeding. There was increase in haematological indices across all the groups during the weeks of feeding. The microscopic examination of the stomach epithelial layer reveals improvement with no serious damage across all the groups.

Conclusion: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius-supplemented diet moderately improves blood anti-oxidant against oxidative stress and the hematological indices with time. The diet also maintains the structural integrity of the stomach wall without causing any damage.