The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Pleurotus ostreatus grown on HCl-treated Palm Oil Bunch on some hematological parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract ofPleurotus ostreatus grown on HCl-treated Palm Oil Bunch on some hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, PCV Hb and Platelet) in Wistar Albino Rats. Twenty-four rats weighing 80- 130g were divided into six groups of four rats per group. Group 1 was control group. Group 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated with the plant extracts at 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% HC1 concentrations respectively. Oral administration of aqueous extract ofPleurotus ostreatus lasted for 21 days. At the end ofthe 21 days, blood samples were collected by ocular puncture for the determination of hematological parameter: WBC, Hb, PCV RBC and platelets after which the rats were sacrificed. The results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the WBC in two test groups (0.2% HC1 and 0.3% HC1) when compared against the control. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the level of HB, RBC, PCV and Platelets in five extract groups (0.1 % HC1, 0.2 % HC1, 0.3% HC1, 0.4 % HC1 and 0.5% HC1) when compared against the control. The results suggest that the aqueous extract ofPleurotus ostreatus grown on HCl-treated Palm Oil Bunch has no toxicological effect on the hematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBC, and Platelets) and therefore is good for consumption. On the other hand, the . significant increase in the WBC level shows that the extract has the capacity to increase the immune system levels in man and animals.