Abstract

Phoenix dactylifera fruit, Cyperus esculentus nut and Cocos nucifera nut are plant materials that are commonly consumed by man in many parts of the world. This research evaluated the liver function and haematological effects of extracts of date fruit, coconut and tiger nut in albino rats. Healthy male albino rats (20) were used and distributed randomly into four groups (n=5). Group 1 rats served as normal control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 animals were administered the corresponding plant ethanolic extracts for twenty-one days and later sacrificed. Serum biochemical indices were analyzed using Cobas C111 chemistry analyzer, while the haematological indices were analyzed using Abacus 380 haematological auto-analyzer. The results showed that AST decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 2, but increased significantly in groups 3 and 4, compared with the normal control (group 1). ALT decreased non-significantly in groups 2 and 3, but decreased significantly in group 4 compared with normal control. ALP decreased non-significantly in all the test groups compared to the normal control. Total protein and albumin decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) in group 2, but increased non-significantly in groups 3 and 4, while globulin increased non-significantly in group 2, but decreased non-significantly in groups 3 and 4 compared with normal control. WBC count, Hb and PCV increased non-significantly (p>0.05) in all groups compared to control. RBC showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in groups 3 and 4, and a non-significant increase in group 2 compared to group 1. The liver histoarchitectural state of the liver sections of the test animals showed evidence of preserved tissues. This research results showed that ethanolic extracts of Phoenix dactylifera fruit, Cyperus esculentus nut and Cocos nucifera nut do not have apparent negative effect on the liver function and the selected haematological indices in male albino rats.