EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF SANSEVIERIA TRIFASCIATA ON FORMALDEHYDE-INDUCED LUNG INJURY IN THE ADULT WISTER RAT

Abstract

Background: Formaldehyde poisoning is the most important cause of respiratory diseases among people with formaldehyde-related occupations such as laboratory scientists, nurses, medical technicians et cetera.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Sansevieria trifasciata on formaldehyde-induced injury in the lungs of the adult Wistar rat.

Methods: The 36 adult Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g that were used in this research were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats per group. The haematological outcome showed that formaldehyde caused some derangements in haematological parameters especially lymphocytes and basophils, haemoglobin and haematocrit, red blood cells and their indices with associated reticulocytosis. Histologically, severe bronchiolar mucosal ulceration with erosion of the cilia leading to blunting, severe interstitial infiltrates of inflammatory cells and severe vascular ulceration were observed in the rats exposed to formaldehyde only. Sansevieria trifasciata shrunk the local activated immune system and the florid-activated bronchioloalveolar aggregates of the immune system in the Sansevieria trifasciata treated rats.

Conclusion: Sansevieria trifasciata has ameliorative effects against formaldehyde-induced injury in the lung of Wistar rats and its effect is inversely proportional to dosage. It is more potent at low doses.