Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry  ISSN 2089-6514 (paper) 

Volume 13, Number 1, April 2024 | Pages: 91-98 | DOI: 10.14421/biomedich.2024.131.91-98 ISSN 2540-9328 (online) 
 

 

 

 

Assessment of the Phytochemical Constituents of Methanol Extract of 

Ereromastax Polysperma Leaves and its Effect on the 

Hematological Indices in Albino Rats 

 
Victor Hogan Idung1,*, Grace Asukwo Okon2, Nicholas Asiwe3 

1Department of Biomedical Technology, School of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 
2Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria. 

3Depertment of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 
 

 

Corresponding author* 
idungvictor@gmail.com 

 

 
Manuscript received: 28 January, 2023. Revision accepted: 08 May, 2024. Published: 15 May, 2024. 

 

 

Abstract 

 

The study investigated the effects of chronic administration of methanol extract of Eremomastax polysperma on the hematological 

parameters of albino rats. The rats were administered daily and orally for 14 days, with water as a control. On day 15, they were 

anesthetized using chloroform and blood was withdrawn from the heart through cardiac puncture into ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid 

(EDTA) specimen bottles. The phytochemical screening of crude methanolic extracts revealed the presence of secondary metabolites such 

as alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides. The statistical test employed was Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with a 

predetermined significance level of p<0.05 and p<0.01. The ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences in red blood cell count 

(RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) percentages among the control group and the treatment groups of 500mg/kg and 1500mg/kg. The 

hematological evaluation showed a significant difference in RBC, HGB, and HCT, and a significant decrease in mean corpuscular 

hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) with increasing doses of the extract. The results suggest that E. polysperma has anti-inflammatory, 

antimalarial, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antispasmodic, and pharmacological effects, potentially aiding in disease treatment. 

 

Keywords: Eremomastax polysperma; Phytochemical; Haematology; Anti-inflammatory; Flavanoids. 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 
 

Medicinal plants are vital for basic healthcare in many 

countries, especially developing countries, as they have 

long been used as traditional medicine for a range of 

ailments (Ezeigwe et al., 2020). Medicinal plants include 

a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, 

terpenoids, and flavonoids. These phytochemicals have a 

range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, 

antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, 

according to Malekmohammad et al. (2020). For 

instance, the bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus 

brevifolia) is used to extract the anticancer drug 

paclitaxel. Plants are the source of some conventional 

drugs (Cragg & Newman, 2013). Plants have been used 

to offer many basic human needs, including food, 

clothing, and shelter, in addition to their medicinal 

properties (Gurib-Fakim, 2006). Furthermore, innovative 

alternatives to conventional drug-therapeutic regimens 

have been made possible by natural compounds derived 

from medicinal plants. As per Ly et al. (2015), specific 

medicinal plants have been employed for the treatment 

and management of illnesses associated with 

reproduction. 

One species of plant in the Asteraceae family is 

Ereromastax polysperma. In Nigeria, we call it 

"edemididuot." It is found in tropical and subtropical 

regions of Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, and 

Cameroon. In Akwa Ibom (Ibibio), it's called 

edemididuot, which means purple bark; Yoruba calls it 

Oyun, Hausa calls it Esinyin, and Igbo calls it Akwukwo. 

In addition to being widely utilized in traditional 

medicine to treat a variety of ailments, recent studies 

have suggested that the herb may potentially have 

pharmacological qualities. The herb contains 

antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and 

antioxidant properties (Ojewole, 2005). These qualities 

make it a good choice for the development of innovative 

drugs meant to cure a variety of diseases. The plants are 

particularly common in southern Nigeria, where many 

people think these species can cure internal heat, 

diabetes, anemia, and infertility (Pandey, 2006). 

Sometimes, locals call them "blood tonics." Research on 

these species' impacts on antioxidant health, as reported 

by Uyoh et al. (2013), offers empirical evidence in favor 

of their potential as therapeutics.  

https://doi.org/10.14421/biomedich.2024.131.91-98


 

 
 

92 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 91-98 

 

 

Methanol extract of Ereromastax polysperma has also 

been reported to have therapeutic potential in the 

management of certain diseases such as diabetes 

(Ibikunle et al., 2017). However, the safety of 

administration of the extract has not been fully evaluated, 

particularly with respect to its effects on hematological 

parameters. This study aims to assess the phytochemical 

constituents of methanol extract of Ereromastax 
polysperma leaves and its effect on the hematological 

indices in albino rats. 

 

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS 
 

Experimental Animals  

Sixteen Swiss albino rats were obtained from the animal 

holding facility of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of 

Uyo, Nigeria, and acclimatized for two weeks before the 

start of the experiment. They were allowed access to 

water and feed ad libitum. All procedures involving 

animals in this study conformed to the guiding principles 

in the care and use of animals and the institution’s code 

of ethics for the use of laboratory animals. 

 

 

 
 

Figure 1. Animal Cage. Source: (University of Uyo animal house). 

 

 
Plant Collection 

Fresh leaves of Eremomatax polysperma was obtained at 

the medicinal farm. They were identified and 

authenticated by the Department of Botany, University of 

Uyo, Nigeria. The plant material was chopped, dried, and 

pulverized into a coarse form.  

 

  
 

Figure 2. Fresh and Dried Eremomastax polysperma. 

 

Plant Extraction 

The maceration method was used for the plant extraction. 

800g of the dried plant material was weighed using a 

beam balance. The weighed plant was then transferred 

into a glass extraction jar. 7.5L/ 750ml of 99.8% 

methanol in a glass extraction jar and kept at room 

temperature (25oC - 32oC) for 72 hours (3 days). At the 

end of 72 hours, the extract was filtered and concentrated 

to dryness at 40oC using a rotary evaporator. The 

concentrated methanol extract was stored in a refrigerator 

at -4oC until further use. 

 

Repeated Graded Dose Administration Study 

The extract was administered orally to the animals based 

on their body weight using a cannula. The administration 

was given daily to the rats for 14 days and the weight 

was taken at 48hours intervals. Water was administered 

in the same manner to the fourth group and this served as 

a control. On day 15, the animals were made inactive by 

inhumane method. The animals were cut open and blood 

was collected from the heart using a needle and 5 ml 

syringe into ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) 

specimen bottles. All extracts dosage was determined 

after toxicity test (LD50). 

 

Blood Collection 

Each animal was humanely sacrificed by chloroform 

inhalation. The rats were anesthetized using chloroform, 

dissected, and blood withdrawn from the heart through a 

technique called cardiac puncture, and the deoxygenated 

blood was drawn using a 5ml syringe and decanted into 

an EDTA bottle. 

 

Acute Toxicity Study 

The acute toxicity of the extracts was evaluated 

according to the method of Lorke (1983). 

 

Phytochemical Screening  

Test for Saponin 

Five ml of water was added to the extract and shaken 

vigorously. It was then allowed to settle for 10-15 

minutes. Frothing was observed which therefore signifies 

the presence of saponin (Milkyas et al., 2016). 

 

Test for Tannins 

Five ml of water was added to the extracts and particles 

were filtered to remove the extracts. 2-3 drops of ferric 

chloride were then added to the filtrate. A blue-black 

precipitate was observed indicating the presence of 

tannins (Milkyas et al., 2016). 

 

Test for flavonoids 

Five ml of water was added to the extracts and then 

placed in a water bath and boiled. After boiling it was 

removed and filtered. After filtration, the sample was 

separated into two portions and 2-3 drops of Magnesium 

metal and conc. HCl was added to one portion. The color 



 

 
 

 Idung et al. – Assessment of the Phytochemical Constituents of … 93 
 

 

changes to Orange indicating the presence of flavonoids 

(Milkyas et al., 2016). 

 

Test for Alkaloid 

Five ml of 5% HCl was added to the diluted extracts, 

then the sample was placed in a water bath and allowed 

to boil. After boiling the sample was filtered and 

separated into two portions. 2-3 drops of Dragendoff 

reagent were added to one portion of the sample and kept 

overnight to determine the positivity or negativity of the 

sample. An orange ppt. was formed indicating the 

presence of an Alkaloid (Milkyas et al., 2016). 

 

Test for Cardiac Glycoside 

▪ Salkowski’s Test 

A few amounts of extract were dissolved in 5 ml of 

dichloromethane. 1 ml of concentrated H2SO4 was then 

added gently by running it down the side of the test tube. 

A reddish-brown was observed indicating the presence of 

Salkowski’s (cardiac glycoside) (Panchal & Parvez, 

2019). 

▪ Killer-Killiani test 

The extract was dissolved in glacial acetic acid 

containing drops of ferric chloride solution. The mixed 

solution was filtered to remove the particle. 1ml of 

euphoric acid was added openly. A brown ring forms at 

the interface indicating the presence of cardiac glycoside 

(Panchal & Parvez, 2019). 

▪ Lieberman’s test 
The extract was dissolved in acetic anhydride and cooled 

in ice. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) was added to the solution. 

The color was observed to change from green to blue and 

brown indicating the presence of a steroidal nucleus 

(Kumar et al., 2014). 

 

Test for Anthraquinones 

▪ Free Anthraquinones 
0.2g of external was diluted in 5 ml of toluene. The 

solution was then filtered. 2 ml of 10% ammonia 

(NH4OH) was added to the filtered solution. There was 

no colour change at the interphase indicating the absence 

of Anthraquinone (Kumar et al., 2014). 

▪ Combined Anthraquinones 
0.2g of extract was diluted in 5 ml of concentration 

H2SO. The solution was then boiled and filtered. 2ml of 

toluene was added to the filter and shaken. 1 ml of 

ammonia solution (NH4OH) was added to the toluene 

layer and shaken. There was no colour change at the 

interphase indicating the absence of Anthraquinone. 

 

Determination of Hematological Parameters  

Blood was collected from the left ventricle of each 

animal in a vial containing 0.5 M EDTA. Hematological 

parameters were determined after day 14 of treatment 

using an Automated Mindray BC-5300 Hematology 

Analyzer Made in China at the University of Uyo 

Teaching Hospital. 

 

Statistical Analysis 

The data obtained from the study were subjected to 

statistical analysis using International Business |Machine 

of Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS 

version 25). Data were presented as mean±standard 

deviation. ANOVA test was used as an inferential 

statistics and probability less than 0.05 was considered 

statistically significant.  
 

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
 

Acute Toxicity Study 

Acute toxicity test did not show any mortality, morbidity, 

or other apparent signs of toxicity at the doses used 

which indicates that the extract is not toxic at the 

maximum dose of 5000 mg/kg bw. With this in mind, 

1/10th, 2/10th, and 3/10th of this maximum dose (5000 

mg/kg) was adopted for the study which gave rise to 500, 

1000, and 1500 mg/kg doses of the extract used in the 

treatment groups. the LD50 5000mg/kg was deduced 

from the Anex 2d OECD guidelines. 

 
 

 
 

Figure 3. Anex 2d guideline. Source: (OECD 2001) 



 

 
 

94 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 91-98 

 

 

Phytochemical Screening 

The phytochemical screening of crude methanolic 

extracts of leaf Eremomatax polysperma revealed the 

presence of some secondary metabolites such as 

alkaloids, Saponin, Flavonoid, and cardiac glycosides. 

 
 

 

 

Table 1. Phytochemical Screening of leaf of Eremomatax polysperma. 

 

Test 
Interferences 

Extract 

Alkaloids + 

Saponin + 

Tannis + 

Flavoniods + 

Cardiac  

Salkowski’s Test + 

Killer-Killiani test + 

Lieberman;s test + 

Anthraquinones  

Free Anthraquinones - 

Combine Anthraquinones - 

+ indicate Presence – indicate Absence 

 

Body Weight 

Body weights of albino rats from both the control and treated groups increased progressively throughout the 

experimental period as shown below; 
 

 

Table 2. Average weight of the albino rat per treatment. 

 

DAY 

Treatment 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 

Weight(g) Weight(g) Weight(g) Weight(g) Weight(g) Weight(g) Weight(g) Weight(g) 

Control 98 ± 5.48 102.75±5.22 112.25±8.26 106±5.69 112.5±6.85 105.5±6.51 116.75±7.08 118.5±7.67 

500mg/kg 94 ± 4.64 109 ± 4.20 107.75±4.09 106.75±4.10 110.25±5.72 106.25±4.71 121.25±6.16 121.75±6.20 

1000mg/kg 85 ± 3.76 96.25±4.27 96 ± 4.60 95±4.04 98±5.10 93.5±5.04 107±6.35 110.5±6.41 

1500mg/kg 91.75±8.25 102.5± 5.62 104.5±5.95 100.25±5.68 119.5±6.28 116.5±6.41 124.25±6.60 127.75±7.02 

 
 

 

 
 

Figure 4. Average weight of the albino rat per treatment. 
 

 

Hematological Parameters 

The provided Table 3 presents the results of a study 

investigating the effects of different doses (mg/kg) of 

Eremomastax polysperma on various blood parameters. 

The statistical test employed was ANOVA, with a 

predetermined significance level of p<0.05 and p<0.01 

While the non-significant differences level of p>0.05.  

The ANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant 

differences in RBC and HGB, among the control group 

and the treatment group of 500mg/kg (p<0.05) and also 

at HCT and the treatment group 500mg/kg (p<0.01). 

However, no significant differences were observed for 

WBC, MCV, Lym, Gran, and Mid percentages. These 

findings suggest that the administration of 500mg/kg 

doses of the substance or treatment may have specific 

effects on the Red blood cells and Hemoglobin of the rat. 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 
 

 Idung et al. – Assessment of the Phytochemical Constituents of … 95 
 

 
Table 3. Hamatological Parameters of control and groups treated with graded doses of methanol leaves extract of Eremomastax polysperma. 

 

Dose  

mg/kg 

WBC 

(103/µL) 

Lym 

(%) 

Gran 

(%) 

Mid 

(%) 

Lym  

(103/µL) 

Gran 

(103/µL) 

Mid  

(103/µL) 

RBC 

(106/µL) 

HGB 

g/dL 

HCT 

(%) 

MCV 

fL 

Control 9.53 ±1.11 87.2 ±0.97 3.38 ± 0. 60 9.48 ± 0.42 8.33 ± 1.06  0.30± 0.03 0.90 ± 0.08 7.08 ± 0.10 14.4 ± 0.24 46.1 ± 0.74 65.10 ± 0.77 

500mg/kg 9.61 ± 0.41 87.6 ± 0.80 4.18 ± 0.69 8.23± 0.35 8.41 ± 0.30 0.41±0.09 0.79 ± 0.05 6.32 ±0.19a 12.9 ±0.24a 42.7±0.52b 67.7 ± 1.24 

1000mg/kg 10.49 ± 1.62 79.9 ± 4.92 9.4 ± 3.53 10.7 ± 1.06 8.4 ± 1.48 0.96 ± 0.35 0.87 ± 0.33 6.75 ± 0.08 13.48 ± 0.24 44.3 ± 0.39 65.5 ± 0.62 

1500mg/kg 8.71 ± 0.87 84.33 ± 1.11 6.1 ± 0.98 9.63 ± 0.66 7.36 ± 0.75 0.53 ± 0.12 0.83 ± 0.07 6.55 ± 0.24 13.3 ± 0.37 44.95 ± 0.39 68.65 ± 1.92 

WBC (white blood cell count), Lym (lymphocytes), Gran (granulocytes), Mid (mid-range cells), RBC (red blood cell count), HGB (hemoglobin), HCT (hematocrit), and MCV (mean corpuscular 

volume) 

 

 

 
Table 4. Hematological Parameters of control and groups treated with graded doses of methanol leaf extract of Eremomastax polysperma. 
 

Dose 

mg/kg 

MCH 

Pg 

MCHC 

g/dl 

RDW-CV 

(%) 

RDW-SD 

fL 

PLT 

(103/µL) 

MPV 

fL 

PDW 

fL 

PCT 

(%) 

P-LCR 

(%) 

P-LCC 

(109/L) 

Control 20.40± 0.25 31.3 ± 0.36 17.1 ± 0.37 44.5 ± 1.13 825 ±32.28 8.10 ±0.19 10.18 ± 0.45 0.664 ± 0.03 14.70 ± 1.35 121 ± 11.59 

500mg/kg 20.43± 0.23 30.2±0.21 16.3± 0.43 44.2± 1. 10 794 ± 93.42 7.85 ± .27 9.48 ± 0.40 0.616 ± 0.05 13.58 ± 1.76 103.3 4.44 

1000mg/kg 19.93±0.25 30.4±0.30 16.68±0.23 43.7±0.31 862.3±11.25 7.90±0.18 9.8±0.36 0.680±0.01 13.7±1.05 117.30±0.78 

1500mg/kg 20.30±0.57 29.5±0.62a 16.68±0.27 46.10±1.48 978±44.96 7.93±0.19 9.53±0.34 0.759±0.04 13.83±1.00 132.30±10.84 

mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW-CV and RDW-SD), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), 

platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit (PCT), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), and platelet large cell count (P-LCC) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 
 

96 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 91-98 

 

 

The hematological parameters of treated and control 

rats are presented in Table 4. The ANOVA revealed 

statistically significant differences in MCHC among the 

control group and the treatment group of 

1500mg/kg(p<0.05). No significant differences (P>0.05) 

were observed in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 

and red cell distribution width and other parameters 

including the red cell distribution width (RDW-CV and 

RDW-SD), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume 

(MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit 

(PCT), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), and platelet 

large cell count (P-LCC), did not exhibit significant 

differences between the control and treatment groups. 

These findings suggest that the methanolic leaf extract of 

Eremomastax polysperma has a selective effect on mean 

corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) at 

1500mg/kg without affecting other hematological 

parameters measured in this study. 

 

 

DISCUSSION 
 

The crude methanolic extracts of Eremomastax 

polysperma leaves were subjected to phytochemical 

screening, which revealed the presence of various 

secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, 

cardiac glycosides, and tannins (Table 1). These 

phytochemical compounds have significant medicinal 

importance. 

Alkaloids, for instance, have been known for their 

potent toxic properties, and several alkaloids derived 

from medicinal plants exhibit various biological 

activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, 

antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antispasmodic, and 

pharmacological effects (Augusto et al., 2011; Dua et al., 

2013; Benbott et al., 2012; Ameyaw and Duker-Eshun, 

2009; Thite et al., 2013). Tannins, as reported by 

previous research, possess antibacterial, antitumor, and 

antiviral activities (Kumari & Jain, 2012). They exert 

their effects by precipitating microbial proteins, 

rendering nutritional proteins unavailable to the 

microbes. 

Cardiac glycosides, another group of phytochemicals 

identified in the extract, have been utilized in the 

treatment of congestive heart failure and cardiac 

arrhythmia (Vladimir and Ludmila, 2001). These 

compounds operate by inhibiting the Na+/K+ pump, 

thereby increasing the levels of calcium ions available 

for the contraction of heart muscles. This leads to the 

recovery of cardiac output and a reduction in heart 

distension (Banso and Adeyemo, 2006; Aiyelaagbe and 

Osamudiamen, 2009). The presence of these 

phytochemical compounds in the leaf extracts of 

Eremomastax polysperma may account for the observed 

biological activities and justify its use as a traditional 

medicine by the Ibibio tribe and throughout Akwa Ibom 

State. Specifically, the alkaloids found in the leaf extract 

exhibit bioactivity against Gram-positive bacteria and 

demonstrate cytotoxic effects against leukemia and HeLa 

cell lines. 

Flavonoids play a crucial role as free radical 

scavengers and primary antioxidants. Therefore, it is 

important to investigate the presence of phenolic 

compounds in plant extracts. Polyphenolic compounds 

possess an aromatic benzene ring with substituted 

hydroxyl groups, and they can absorb free radicals and 

chelate metal ions that could catalyze the formation of 

reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. 

Flavonoids, in particular, are highly significant in 

promoting human health and disease prevention. The 

antioxidant potency of flavonoids depends on their 

molecular structures, including the position of hydroxyl 

groups and other chemical features (Rajanandh and 

Kavitha, 2010). These compounds are commonly found 

in plants in the form of glycosides, with quercetin being 

one of the most abundant flavonoids known for its 

excellent antioxidant properties due to its favorable 

structural characteristics (Kalita et al., 2013). 

Assessment of hematological parameters is a valuable 

approach for evaluating the harmful effects of toxic 

agents (Agbaje et al., 2009) and determining an 

individual's health status (Burtis et al., 2012). Changes in 

the hematological system can provide insights into the 

prediction of toxicity in animals (Olson et al., 2000), and 

alterations in the concentrations of red blood cells 

(RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular volume 

(MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean 

corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) are 

particularly important for diagnosing anemia. These 

parameters not only indicate the potentially harmful 

effects of herbal remedies but also shed light on their 

impact on blood-related conditions. 

In the study, administration of the plant extract did 

result in significant changes in RBC, HCT, and HGB 

levels compared to the control group. This suggests that 

the extract is likely to cause abnormalities in 

hematological parameters, such as bleeding, anemia, or 

bone marrow suppression, in humans. The significant 

change in RBC (erythrocyte count) was confirmed by the 

increased percentage of Hemoglobin in the 500mg/kg-

dose recipient group. In normal circumstances, local 

tissue anoxia leads to the formation of a glycoprotein 

called erythropoietin, which stimulates increased 

production of erythrocytes (Bowman & Rand, 1980). 

Ereromastax polysperma leaf extract likely contains 

erythropoietin-like agent(s) which is/are responsible for 

the increased production of erythrocytes. This finding did 

not align with the report by Arsad et al., (2013), 

indicating the relatively unsafe nature of the plant extract 

in terms of hematological effects. 

Table 3 shows that there were no significant changes 

in the white blood cell (WBC) count. WBCs, along with 

their differentials such as lymphocytes, serve as 

indicators of the body's response to toxic substances, 



 

 
 

 Idung et al. – Assessment of the Phytochemical Constituents of … 97 
 

 

including plants (Adedapo et al., 2004). WBCs and 

lymphocytes play a crucial role in the body's defense 

mechanism. The WBC counts in both the control group 

and the groups treated with doses of 500 mg/kg and 1000 

mg/kg body weight exceeded the normal physiological 

range of 5.00-8.96/mm3 (Mitruka et al., 1977). The 

percentage values for lymphocytes in the treatment 

groups were within the normal physiological range of 

65.00-84.50%, except for the control and 500 mg/kg 

group. 

Table 4 shows that there was a significant decrease in 

MCHC at 1500mg/kg- dose. The most common 

complication of living with low MCHC levels is a lack of 

energy and decreased stamina. This can limit activities. 

In severe cases, anemic hypoxia can occur as a result of 

low MCHC levels. When MCHC levels are very low, the 

body could struggle to provide enough oxygen to all its 

tissues. This therefore signifies that the extract of 

Eremomastax polysperma at a higher dose is not good for 

the body. This study was not in line with the research of 

Ramadan & Alshamrani (2015) who had no significant 

difference in MCHC. 

 

 

CONCLUSION 
 

The acute toxicity test did not show any mortality, 

morbidity, or other apparent signs of toxicity at the doses 

used which indicates that the extract is not toxic at the 

maximum dose of 5000 mg/kg bw. With this in mind, 

1/10th, 2/10th, and 3/10th of the maximum dose (5000 

mg/kg) was adopted for the study which gave rise to 500, 

1000, and 1500 mg/kg doses of the extract used in the 

treatment groups. From the result, the body weights of 

experimental animals 1/14*5000 from both the control 

and treated groups increased progressively throughout 

the experimental period. Also, phytochemical screening 

of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, 

tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and, cardiac glycosides. 

The hematological evaluation revealed that the 

administration of the plant extract brought about a 

significant difference in RBC, HGB, and HCT. Also, 

mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 

showed a significant decrease with increasing doses of 

the extract, indicating an adverse effect on the body. 

Other parameters, including WBC, MCV, PLT, MPV, 

MCH, Lym, Gran, Mid, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, PLT, 

PDW, PCT, P-LCR, and P-LCC did not exhibit 

significant differences between the control and treatment 

groups. This suggests that the extract is likely to cause 

abnormalities in hematological parameters, such as 

bleeding, anemia, or bone marrow suppression in 

humans. 

 

Recommendation 

Based on the findings of this study, the following 

recommendations can be made: 

▪ Further investigation: Conduct additional studies to 

identify and isolate specific bioactive compounds 

from the crude methanol extract of Eremomastax 
polysperma. These isolated compounds can be 

subjected to further pharmacological and 

toxicological studies to determine their therapeutic 

potential and safety profiles. 

▪ Clinical trials: Perform clinical trials to evaluate the 

efficacy and safety of Eremomastax polysperma 

extracts or isolated compounds in humans, 

particularly in the treatment of specific conditions 

such as inflammation, malaria, and bacterial 

infections. 

 

Competing Interest: The authors declare that there is no 

competing interest. 

 

 

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