Effect of Combretum molle (Combretaceae) seed extract on hematological and biochemical parameters

Combretum molle (Combretaceae) is widely used traditional medicinal plant for treatment of different illnesses in most parts of Africa. However, its in vivo toxic effect is not evaluated yet. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic effect of C. molle seed extract on biochemical and hematological parameters using mice. Accordingly, effect of seed extract of the plant on hematological and biochemical parameters and on tissues of different organs were determined. Blood sample collected on the next day of the last dose administration was used for further analysis. Organs were collected in formalin for histological study. Result of the study showed that seed extract of C. molle did not cause significant effects on most red blood cells (RBCs) indices. Also, except eosinophil count, all white blood cells (WBCs) indices showed significant reduction (P<0.05) under use of almost all doses of the seed extract. Level of liver enzymes such as glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (sGOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (sGPT) showed significant increment (P<0.05) in mice treated with different doses of the plant seed extract, while concentration of albumin was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, significant increament (P<0.05) in levels of kidney function indicators urea and creatinine was observed. At relatively lower dose (125 mg/kg), the crude extract of C. molle seed showed lower effects on haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. As dose increased, its cytotoxic effect increased.   Key words: Combretum molle, hematological, biochemical, histopathology.