The analysis of blood parameters is relevant to risk evaluation
as changes in the hematological system have a higher predictive
value for human toxicity when the data are translated from animal
studies (Olson et al., 2000). In terms of hematological parameters,
neither those of male nor female treated rats appeared to be toxicologically
significant, being slightly higher or lower than those of
the control group. These results indicate that H. polyrhizus fruit extract
does not interfere in the formation of erythrocytes and leukocytes
nor does it cause microcytosis or macrocytosis in rats. Hence,
there were no significant alterations in the hematological parameters.
Furthermore, no related histopathological changes were observed.
Gross and microscopic examinations at necropsy revealed
no changes attributable to the administration of H. polyrhizus fruit
extract (data not shown).