Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2025
A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Catha edulis Forsk and Ascorbic Acid Effects on Hematological Indices in Rat
Abebaye Aragaw Leminie1, Tesfaye Tolessa Dugul1, Eyasu Makonnen Eshetu2
1Department of Physiology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Insights
Chewing khat (Catha edulis Forsk) and using ascorbic acid significantly altered hematological indices in rats. Both substances increased platelet activity, while khat decreased hemoglobin concentration.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of chewing *Catha edulis Forsk* (khat) and ascorbic acid use.
- Limited understanding of their subchronic effects on hematological indices.
- Need for research on the hematological impact of khat and ascorbic acid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subchronic effects of *Catha edulis Forsk* extract and juice, and ascorbic acid on hematological indices in rats.
- To determine how khat and ascorbic acid influence blood cell counts and platelet parameters.
- To provide insights into the safety and physiological effects of these substances.
Main Methods:
- 36 adult wild-type rats were administered *Catha edulis Forsk* extract (100-300 mg/kg), khat juice (2.5 mL/kg), or ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg) for 12 weeks.
- Hematological indices were measured using Sysmex KX-21.
- Data were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel.
Main Results:
- Khat administration significantly increased neutrocytes, lymphocytes, plateletcrit, platelet size, and platelet-large cell ratio, while reducing hemoglobin concentration.
- Ascorbic acid significantly increased red cell distribution width, platelet size variability, and platelet-large cell ratio.
- Both khat and ascorbic acid demonstrated an impact on platelet activity.
Conclusions:
- Subchronic exposure to crude *Catha edulis Forsk* extract and juice alters hematological parameters, notably increasing platelet activity.
- Ascorbic acid also enhances platelet activity.
- Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these observed hematological changes.
Background:
The prevalence of chewing Catha edulis Forsk and the use of ascorbic acid is increasing from time to time. Their subchronic effects on hematological indices are not well examined. The present study was aimed to investigate their subchronic effects on hematological indices in rats.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 36 adult (7-8 weeks) wild-type rats weighing between 213 and 229g were used in this study. They received Catha edulis Forsk extract (Ce) (100 milligrams/kilogram, 200 milligram/kilogram and 300 milligram/kilogram b.w), Catha edulis Forsk juice (2.5 mL/kg), ascorbic acid (AA 200 milligram/kilogram), and 2% tween 80 in distilled water (T80W- v/v) for twelve weeks. Hematological indices were measured with Sysmex KX-21. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel.
Results:
Neutrocytes (p < 0.01), lymphocytes (p < 0.05), plateletcrit (p < 0.05), average size of platelets (p < 0.05), platelet size variability (p < 0.01), platelet-large cell ratio (p < 0.05) and neutrocytes/lymphocytes ratio (p < 0.001) were significantly greater, while hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin concentration per volume of red blood cells were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in rats received khat. The red cell distribution width (p < 0.05), platelet size variability (p < 0.05) and platelet-large cell ratio (p < 0.01) were significantly greater in rats received ascorbic acid.
Conclusion:
Crude Catha edulis Forsk extract and juice changed some hematological indices and increased platelet activities. The platelet activity was also increased by ascorbic acid. The mechanisms for these changes need to be investigated.
More Related Videos
08:28Microsurgical Skills of Establishing Permanent Jugular Vein Cannulation in Rats for Serial Blood Sampling of Orally Administered Drug
Published on: December 14, 2021
04:27Author Spotlight: Advantages of Pressure-Volume Loop Measurement Method in Cardiovascular Research
Published on: January 12, 2024