Assessment of the Hematological Parameters of Albino Rats Fed on High Dose of whole Wheat

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the hematological profile of albino rats fed on whole wheat based on its widespread use. Whole wheat grain (Triticum aestivum) is a cereal regularly consumed and also used for various medicinal purposes.

Study Design: Laboratory based work with the use of rodents.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Haematology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Nigeria, between April 2013 and April 2014.

Methodology: In the experiment a total of sixty (60) albino rats were used. The rats were divided into five (5) groups of 12 rats each. Group I served as a control and received distilled water (2 ml/kg), while groups II, III, IV and V were orally administered whole wheat at 1, 2, 4 and 8 g/kg doses respectively. The administration of wheat and distilled water were done daily while the rats were weighed weekly for 30 days, after which the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected via the abdominal aorta, the plasma was then analyzed for various hematological parameters.

Results: The rats treated with whole wheat had significantly (p<0.05) increased levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell distribution width when compared to the control group. Though the white blood cells were increased, the values were not significantly different from the control. However the mean corpuscular volume was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the experimental groups.

This result indicates the potentials of wheat as a functional food for therapeutic effect against abnormal hematological changes associated with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia and other CVS problems. Consequently, wheat could serve as an adjunct to dietary therapy especially for diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion: In conclusion a hematological protective effect as seen from the increase in the red blood cells and hemoglobin is an excellent discovery from our study.