Haemato-biochemical alterations and acute toxicity study of hydro-methanol root extract of Anacardium occidentale in cockerels

The study evaluated the haemato-biochemical alterations and acute toxicity of hydro-methanol root extract of Anarcaduim occidentale (AO) in cockerels. Forty chickens randomly assigned into four groups (A, B, C and D) of 10 birds each were used for the experiment. Groups A, B, C and D received 3000, 1500 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract and distilled water respectively. Relative weights, haematology, serum biochemistry, gross and histopathological features of the lymphoid organs of chickens were studied. No significant (P>0.05) variation was observed in their body weights. The white blood cell count of group A chicken were significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of groups B and C chickens. Serum biochemistry tests revealed significant (P<0.05) variations at different doses for the alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, uric acid, creatinine, calcium and phosphorus activities when compared to the control group. Gross and histopathological examinations showed no overt alterations in the tissues examined. It was observed that varied doses of root extract of Anarcaduim occidentale caused significant decrease in haematology and serum biochemistry parameters of chickens and no obvious lesions in internal organs.