HAEMOSTATIC EFFECT OF CRUDE AQUEOUS EXTRACT AND FRACTION OF SOLANU NIGRUM BERRIES IN A LEUKAEMIC ALBINO RAT MODEL

Abstract

Leukaemia is a malignant disorder affecting bone marrow progenitor cells, leading to uncontrolled production of abnormal white cells (blasts) that crowd the bone marrow and peripheral blood. This disease imposes a significant economic burden on patients and families due to treatment costs. Solanum nigrum berries (ssp. villosum) are known for their nutritional and medicinal properties. This study investigated the haemostatic effects of Solanum nigrum berries' crude aqueous extract and fractions in a leukaemic albino rat model. Fresh green berries were sourced from markets in Enugu Metropolis, shade-dried, and ground into fine powder. One thousand grams of the powder were extracted using cold maceration. Forty grams of the crude aqueous extract underwent saponification and fractionation using N-hexane and ethyl acetate solvents at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) laboratories. Phytochemical analyses were conducted at the Projects Development Institute (PRODA). Sixty male albino rats (250–300 g) were used, with 15 for acute toxicity testing (Lorke method) and 45 divided into nine groups for the main study. Group A was the normal control (food and water only), while Groups B and C received 250 mg and 500 mg aqueous extracts, respectively. Groups D and E received 250 mg and 500 mg N-hexane fractions, and Groups F and G received 250 mg and 500 mg ethyl acetate fractions. Group H served as the positive control (150 mg cyclophosphamide), and Group I served as the negative control (75 mg ethylnitrosourea). Leukaemia was induced using 75 mg/kg body weight of ethylnitrosourea for three weeks, followed by 28 days of extract and fraction administration. Blood samples were collected on days 8 and 28 for analysis of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin, and fibrinogen levels, while bone marrow and peripheral blood smears were examined under ×100 oil immersion. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, and flavonoids in varying concentrations. Quantitative analysis showed tannins ranged from 0.362–0.724 mg/100 g, saponins from 0.0692–0.680 mg/100 g, alkaloids from 20–40 mg/100 g, phenols from 1.283–1.312 g/kg, and glycosides from 0.060–3.630 mg/100 g across different solvents. Acute toxicity testing (LD50) was 4,850 mg/kg. Significant changes (p < 0.05) in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin, and fibrinogen levels were observed across groups. The findings suggest that Solanum nigrum berries possess haemostatic properties and could help combat bleeding in leukaemia.