Effect of ethanolic extract of Anacardium occidentale leaves on haematological and biochemical parameters of albino rats

Medicinal plants are used in the treatment and management of most diseases worldwide. One of such diseases is diabetes. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by lack of insulin or inadequate supply of insulin. It affects one quarter of the world’s population as reported by World Health Organization. Anacardium occidentale parts are used in the management of diabetes hence the need to study its effect on the biochemical and haematological parameters. The ethanolic extract of A. occidentale leaves at 2000, 4000 and 6000mg/kg B.W were administered on albino rats for a period of 42 days (i.e. 6 weeks) and haematological and biochemical parameters investigated. The packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell values fluctuated during the study period. However, there was no significant difference compared to the control. There was initial increase in white blood cell values for all the groups but fluctuated for the remaining period of study. The liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and protein levels significantly decreased. However, the creatinine and urea levels increased during the study period. The results indicate that A. occidentale leaves at doses examined had significant (P