Abstract:
The human heart is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system, supplying oxygen
and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. Damage to tissue or cells of the
heart can be very fatal. Cassia angustifolia is a plant regularly consumed by the locals to treat gastrointestinal
issues. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of Cassia angustifolia on the heart and other
cardiovascular parameter. Animals of either sex were selected. Group 1 received distilled water (10 ml/kg), while
group 2, 3 and 4 received Cassia angustifolia 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. Animals were kept in standard
cages and given access to the extract, water and food orally for 28 days, after which they were weighed and
sacrificed. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and taken immediately for hematological and chemo
pathological analysis. The histological toxic potential of the plant on the kidney was studied using haematotoxylin
and eosin (H&E) staining technique. There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in RBC, HGB, MCV, while there
was no change in the level of neutrophiles, basophiles, eosinophiles and platelets. The extract did not cause
significant (P<0.05) change in the level of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride. There was
significant (P<0.05) increase in the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Histological observation revealed
slight to no damage to tissue of the heart. Result obtained suggests that the plant maybe of cardiovascular
significance, particularly when taken for a prolong period of time.
