Effects of Aqueous Extract of Extra – Cotyledonous Deposit of Pride of Barbados (Caesalpina pulcherrima) on Some Blood Electrolytes and Urea Levels in Rabbits

Abstract

Study was conducted on the effects of aqueous extract of extra-cotyledonous deposit of Pride of Barbados ( Caesalpina pulcherrima ) on some blood electrolytes and urea levels in rabbits. Rabbits used were of New Zealand strain and weighed between 1750 and 1900g. About 200ml of the aqueous extract were administered daily to the test rabbits orally through clean drinking troughs for a period of 28 days. Blood was obtained from rabbits intravenously through the larger veins at the back of the ear. Results obtained, showed that the values of Na ⁺ , K ⁺ , Cl ^- , HC0 ₃ -, Mg ²⁺ , Ca ²⁺ , Phosphorus and urea for control and test ranged from 133-140 and 134-141 mmol/l; 3.8-4.5 and 3.7-5.0 mmol/l; 101-107 and 99-107 mmol/l; 21-27 and 22-28 mmol/l; 4.0-5.2 and 4.9-5.2 mmol/l; 6.5-7.0 and 6.2-7.2 mmol/l; 4.9-6.0 and 5.1-6.1 mg/100ml; 27-35 and 27-34 mg/dl respectively. The above values are within the normal ranges. The aqueous extract of extra-cotyledonous deposit of Pride of Barbados ( Caesalpina pulcherrima ) may therefore contain agents capable of stabilizing normal electrolyte balance in the blood.