Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum is a perennial herb, widely used in the treatment of several conditions in folklore medicine. The effects of sub-acute treatment of the aqueous extract of B. pinnatum leaf on hematological, renal and testicular functions were investigated in the Wistar rat. Adult rats were randomly distributed into three groups of six rats each and administered 0, 62.5 or 125 mg/kg of extract daily for 28 days by oral gavage. Blood levels of urea, creatinine and hematological parameters, as well as epididymal sperm parameters were measured. Kidney and testis of animals were removed and organ weight to body weight ratios were determined. Histology of the organs was also analyzed. The extract elevated white blood cell count, reduced neutrophil count (P<0.05) with out affecting lymphocyte count and packed cell volume, when compared to control. The extract did not alter sperm count, motility, morphology and viability as well as blood urea and creatinine levels. The extract did not alter histology and relative weights of the kidney and testis. It can be concluded that sub-acute administration of the aqueous extract of B. pinnatum did not produce any renal and testicular toxicity, but may depress neutrophil action.