Catha edulis Forsk and Ascorbic Acid Effects on Hematological Indices in Rat

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of chewing Catha edulis Forsk and the use of ascorbic acid is increasing from time to time. Their subchronic effects on hematological indices are not well examined. The present study was aimed to investigate their subchronic effects on hematological indices in rats.

Materials and Methods

A total of 36 adult (7–8 weeks) wild-type rats weighing between 213 and 229g were used in this study. They received Catha edulis Forsk extract (Ce) (100 milligrams/kilogram, 200 milligram/kilogram and 300 milligram/kilogram b.w), Catha edulis Forsk juice (2.5 mL/kg), ascorbic acid (AA 200 milligram/kilogram), and 2% tween 80 in distilled water (T80W- v/v) for twelve weeks. Hematological indices were measured with Sysmex KX-21. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel.

Results

Neutrocytes (p < 0.01), lymphocytes (p < 0.05), plateletcrit (p < 0.05), average size of platelets (p < 0.05), platelet size variability (p < 0.01), platelet–large cell ratio (p < 0.05) and neutrocytes/lymphocytes ratio (p < 0.001) were significantly greater, while hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin concentration per volume of red blood cells were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in rats received khat. The red cell distribution width (p < 0.05), platelet size variability (p < 0.05) and platelet–large cell ratio (p < 0.01) were significantly greater in rats received ascorbic acid.

Conclusion

Crude Catha edulis Forsk extract and juice changed some hematological indices and increased platelet activities. The platelet activity was also increased by ascorbic acid. The mechanisms for these changes need to be investigated.

Keywords:

• Catha edulis Forsk
• ascorbic acid
• hematological indices

Acknowledgment

Department of Medical Physiology supported this study. The authors are thankful to Tesfaye Getachew, who supported us during sample collection, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute for assisting with hematological analysis. Daniel Seyifu Melka is now affiliated with Department of Biochemistry, Division of Basic Sciences, University of Global health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation and preparing the manuscript. They have involved in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.