International Journal of Research and Reports in Hematology

Background: Traditionally, the use of Xylopia aethiopica fruit for therapeutic purposes is on the increase without any consideration of its safety and toxicity.

Aim: This study was therefore designed to examine its effect on coagulation factors of Wistar rats.

Methodology: The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica were air-dried and extracted by Soxhlet extractor using ethanol as solvent. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the extract was assessed using standard method. Thirty adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups of six rats each. Animals in groups A, B, C, and D were treated with 130, 259, 389 and 518 mg/kg body weight of X. aethiopica fruit extract respectively, while those in group E received normal animal feeds and water only. The oral method was used to provide the medication once a day for 28 days. Standard procedures were used to determine prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Results: The extract of Xylopia aethiopica fruit was observed to show a significant (p˂ 0.05) increase in prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and erythrocyte sedimentation rate when compared with those of the control group.

Conclusion: Xylopia aethiopica significantly prolongs prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and in addition has thrombocytopenic property. These anticlotting properties have clearly elucidated and unraveled mechanisms of action which have laid credence to its use by women in flushing out remnants of product of conception post-delivery. Increase in ESR by Xylopia aethiopical may result from an inherent property in this fruit that is yet to be identified.