Calcium carbide ripened musa sapientum-induced reduction in white blood cell count in challenged albino wistar rats

Abstract

The benefits of fruits in healthy living and disease prevention seem to be threatened due to the artificial ripening of fruits. This study investigated the effect of calcium carbide ripened Musa sapientum (banana) on some haematological variables of challenged Wistar rats. A total of 51 rats grouped into two main groups of 14 and 21 days treatment. Each group subdivided into rats fed with I. Naturally Ripened Banana with Immunization (NRB+IM), II. Naturally Ripened Banana without Immunization (NRB-IM), III. Chemically Ripened Banana with Immunization (CRB+IM), IV. Chemically Ripened Banana without Immunization (CRB-IM) and V. (control). The controls (11) were only fed with normal rat chow. NRB groups (20) were fed with normal rat chow and administered naturally ripened banana juice orally. The CRB groups (20) were fed with normal rat chow and administered chemically ripened banana juice. All rats were allowed free access to food and water during the study. Whole blood samples were collected on the 14th day and 21st day for complete blood count (CBC). The result showed a significant decrease in WBC in III (6460 ± 972.94) for 14th day when compared to other groups and control (10683 ± 218). Also, the 21st day WBC in III (5800 ± 1228.01) showed a significant decrease compared to other groups and control (12720 ± 326.19). Besides, there were decreases in PCV and Hb values in 21st day samples of III. We therefore, conclude that carbide ripened banana induces leucopenia probably due to suppressed haemopoiesis in SRBC immunized rats.