Cardio-haematological and oxidative assaults in Wistar rats: the roles of Nicotiana tabacum leaf extracts

Background and Objective: Cow urine extract of Nicotiana tabacum leaf, “adimenu” is being used by a significant percentage of Nigerian youths to manage various conditions without enough scientific information to refute or support the usage. This research investigated the effect of single and repeated doses of oral administration of aqueous and cow urine extracts of Nicotiana tabacum leaf on the lipid profile and oxidative and haematological status of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Seven groups of five male rats each were used. The control group received 0.5 mL of distilled water, groups A and D received 8 mg kg‾¹ body weight of cow urine and aqueous extracts, respectively, orally, once daily for 28 days, groups B and E received 16 mg kg‾¹ body weight of cow urine and aqueous extracts, respectively, orally, thrice-a-day for 28 days while groups C and F received 32 mg kg‾¹ body weight of cow urine and aqueous extract, respectively, orally, thrice-a-day for 28 days. Biochemical parameters were analyzed in sera and blood samples. Results: Administration of single and repeated doses of the extracts revealed that single and repeated doses of the extracts significantly increased the activity of SOD and catalase as well as the level of LDL and atherogenic index while HDL, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCH and MPV significantly decreased. Conclusion: The administration of the extracts was found to induce oxidative stress, cause anaemia and impair heart functionality