An investigation into the possible effects of the methanol extract of
Jatropha curcas on some haematological parameters was carried out on m
ale albino rats, The extract was observed to cause a progressive reduc
tion in the measured haematological values (packed cell volume, haemog
lobin concentration and red cell counts), The reduction in values of r
ed blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentration were significantly
(p<0.01) pronounced in 8 day and 10 day treated rats compared with the
control. The LD50 in the acute toxicity test in mice was 25.19 mg. Th
e results suggest that Jatropha curcas most likely caused macrocytic h
ypochromic type of anaemia in rats. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.