Hematopoietic, Antioxidant, and Reproductive Modulatory Effects of Triticum aestivum Leaf Aqueous Extract in Female Albino Rats
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Abstract
Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) is widely recognized for its rich phytochemical composition and medicinal properties, particularly in hematopoiesis, antioxidant defense, and reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the Hematopoietic, Antioxidant, and Reproductive Modulatory Effects of Triticum aestivum Leaf Aqueous Extract in Albino Rats. Twenty-four adult female albino rats weighing between 180g to 250g were used for this experiment. The experiment was divided into four groups with six albino rats each. Group 1 served as the control and was fed commercial feed only. Group 2, 3 and 4 were given the extract orally with a dose rate of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 300mg/kg body weight respectively daily for 30 days. The hematological, antioxidant, and hormonal biomarkers were assayed using the standard procedures. The administration of T. aestivum extract significantly (P<0.05) influenced reproductive hormones, with the 300 mg/kg group showing an increase in progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone compared to control. Antioxidant enzyme activity also showed superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreasing with an increase in dosage, with catalase showing increase again in the highest dose. Hematological analysis showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in red blood cell count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration while platelet count declined in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that T. aestivum is recommendable in improving antioxidant defense, reproductive health and erythropoiesis. However, its dose-dependent effects on WBC and platelet levels necessitate further safety evaluation before therapeutic application to determine the most efficient dosage. A moderate dosage of the juice is recommended for consumption.
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