HAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF Jatropha tanjorensis LEAVES EXTRACTS

Jatropha tanjorensis, commonly known as hospital too far is a plant with edible leaves that have both traditional, medicinal and culinary uses, particularly in Nigeria. The study determined haematological and biochemical properties of leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis. Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Alanine aminotransferase activity, Aspartate aminotransferase activity, Alkaline phosphate activity, Serum Creatinine Concentration, Serum Urea Concentration, Vitamin Quantification and Anti-oxidant assays (TAC and FRAP) were conducted using standardized methods. The results show that PCV increased in a dose-dependent manner at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, peaking at 71% at 200 mg/kg. Assessment of the Renal and Hepatic Functions revealed no adverse effect of J. tanjorensis leaves and so considered biochemically safe within the administered dosage range. Result of Vitamin Content revealed a higher concentration of Vitamin C in the dried leaves sample. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) showed statistically significant difference between the fresh and dry leaves (F=0.89, p=0.035). Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) showed no statistically significant difference between the fresh and dry leaves samples (F=0.89, p=0.47). This study’s findings provide credence to the traditional usage of this plant as a medication, which has the potential to be culturally standardized as a panacea for a variety of ailments.