Phytochemistry and haematological markers in cadmium-induced toxicity mitigated by date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit extract in rabbit bucks

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14020441

Keywords:

Blood, Date fruit, Heavy metal, Phytotherapy

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical composition of Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit, the effect of cadmium (Cd) on haematological parameters, and the potential of the methanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera (MEPD) fruit to mitigate Cd-induced toxicity. Forty-five rabbit bucks (24–28 weeks old, 1.41–1.43 kg) were randomized into five groups: control, 3 mg CdCl₂/kg feed, Cd + 300 mg MEPD, Cd + 600 mg MEPD, and Cd + 900 mg MEPD. Cd was administered for 7 days, followed by MEPD treatment every 72 hours for 28 days. The result of phytochemical analysis showed the absence of tannins, phlobatannins, and starch, with a moderate presence of sterols and protein-xanthoproteins. Saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids were abundant. Haematological findings revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the Cd-only group compared to the control. MEPD treatment produced a non-significant, dose-dependent increase in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and red blood cell counts. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, though all values remained within the normal range. Platelet counts, significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by Cd (204.30 ×10³/µl), improved significantly with MEPD treatment. This study highlights the phytochemical richness of Phoenix dactylifera and its potential to alleviate Cd-induced haematological toxicity.

Author Biographies

  • Anietie Archibong ANSA, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Oyisi Mercy EJIVADE, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Odamesan AKPERE, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

    Researcher

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Published

2024-03-31

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Articles

How to Cite

Phytochemistry and haematological markers in cadmium-induced toxicity mitigated by date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit extract in rabbit bucks. (2024). Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Journal, 3(1), 184-189. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14020441