Effect of Citrus aurantifolia juice on bodyweight and haematological indices of wistar rats

Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) is a citrus fruit and an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids which have unique antioxidant properties.This study determined the effects of C. aurantifolia on the bodyweight and hematological indices of rats.A total of 20 rats of both sex weighing between 120 and 130 g were randomized into 4 groups of five rats each and used.Group A: Normal Control; Group B: 2 ml/kg of C. aurantifolia fruit juice; Group C: 4 ml/kg of C. aurantifolia fruit juice; Group D: 8 ml/kg of C. aurantifolia fruit juice.The C. aurantifolia fruit was freshly squeezed and the juice was administered to the test groups for a period of three months.The haematological parameters were analysed using standard methods.The results revealed that administration of C. aurantifolia juice caused a significant difference (p<0.05) in the bodyweights of the experimented groups from week 3 up to week 12 compared with the normal control group.After three months of the administration, only the platelet counts showed a significant difference (p>0.05) in group B compared with other groups throughout the three months of administration.Therefore, it is then concluded that bioactive substances present in lime like lycopene and vitamin C induces the proliferation of white blood cells in the blood circulation.Hence, it was proven that lime has a protective effect which may serve as an alternative treatment option in patients with leukopenia.