Effect of Basella rubra L. leaf extract on haematological parameters and amylase activity

Abstract

Introduction: Basella rubra is a plant species commonly known as Poi (family Basellacea) found in almost every part of India, except hills. Poi possesses several folkloric uses, having beneficial effects in haemorrhagic diseases and as a tonic. In the present study, the effects of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Basella rubra (Poi) leaves were investigated for haematological parameters on normal Swiss mice and amylase activity on Wistar rats.Methods: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the plant (dosed at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered to mice in different test groups for a period of 14 days for determination of haematological parameters. Aqueous, ethanolic and hexane extracts were given (200 mg/kg body weight) to the test group animals (Wistar rats) for the determination of amylase activity. The control group received distilled water for a period of 7 days.Result:There was an increase in the haematological parameters (RBC, WBC, Hb and PCV. The plant extracts caused a significant increase in the total bilirubin content. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of 200 mg/kg showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in total bilirubin content but no significant increase was observed in aqueous and ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) treated mice. There was also an increase in the amylase content in the hexane and ethanolic group animals and a decrease of amylase content in aqueous extract containing animals as compared to control group.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the commom plant B. rubra leaf has beneficial haematological properties in Swiss mice. In addition, the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes.

Keywords: Basella rubra; Poi; haematological parameters; amylase activity