The Effect of Methanol Extract of Talinum Triangulare (Water Leaf) on the Hematology and Some Liver Parameters of Experimental Rats

The percentage yield of Talinum triangulare was found to be 4.84%. The preliminary phytochemical screening of plant extract revealed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in larger amounts while saponins, tannins, resins, steroids and glycosides were in lower amounts. The administration of methanol extract of Talinum triangulare at 100, 200 and 400/kg b.w had no effect on the level of alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase (p>0.05), but the administration of extract at these doses gave significant increase (p<0.05) in the levels of serum aspartate amino transferase and RBC but significant decrease (p<0.05) were recorded in PCV and bilirubin. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the AST levels at 100mg/kg dose and this could have been due to the physiological conditions of animal because AST is also found in other organs of the body such as the heart, but at 200 and 400 mg/kg there was a decrease in AST when compared to the one at 100mg/kg. There was significant decrease in the PCV level of the rats. For the bilirubin concentration there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) between the control and the test groups. At 200mg/kg, the extract gave the lowest serum total bilirubin concentration. The RBC concentration was significantly increased when compared to the control and the highest RBC level was obtained at 200mg/kg. This shows that T. triangulare leaf could be used for treatment of disease conditions such as anaemia and could also be used by pregnant women and growing children to boost their blood level. The clearance of bilirubin from blood shows that the plant could help red cells stay longer and be used by the body. Since these vegetables are readily available almost everywhere, it means they are used by almost everyone including those in remote areas and so they have access to a lot of health benefits that is provided by this plant.