Effect of Cashew apple juice (Anacardium occidentale L.) on Hematology and Spleen of Gentamicin Induced Injury in Albino Rats

Abstract

Aim/Introduction: The use of plant in treatment of human diseases is as old as man. Medicinal plants are often consumed locally without a graded dose or expected duration of use. Cashew is traditionally used for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) ailments, skin problems, and other conditions. The aim of this study is to determine protective effect of Cashew apple juice, Anacardium occidentale, on gentamicin induced injury on spleen of albino rats. Method: A total of thirty rats (155–210 g) where used for this work. Group one served as the positive control receiving normal saline. Group two received normal saline for eighth days, while group 3, 4 and 5 received 10, 20 and 40 ml/kg of the extract respectively. On the eighth (8th) day, animals in groups 2 – 5 received gentamicin 100 mg/kg bw orally. Twenty hours after the last administration, that is on the 9th day, all animals were weighed again and sacrificed under light diethylether vapour. Result: Anacardium occidentale fruit juice extract caused significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of RBC, PCV, Hb, platelet and monocyte when compared to the gentamicin group. There was no significant increase (P<0.05) in the level of WBC. There was also significant increase (P<0.05) in the body weight ratio of the rat’s spleen. Histopatholgy observations agree with hematology study. Conclusion: Anacardium occidentale has protective tendency on vital body organ. The fruit may also be useful in improving hematological parameters.