title: Vitamin e supplementation with rauwolfia vomitoria root bark extract improves hematological indices.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vitamin supplementation in Rauwolfia vomitoria root bark extract administration may interact and impact significantly on hematology of albino Wistar rats.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this investigation we studied vitamin E supplementation with Rauwolfia vomitoria root bark extract on the hematology of experimental animals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty two rats weighing 200 - 230 g were randomly selected into six groups of seven animals each. Group 1 animals serve as controls; group 2 received vitamin E (10 IU/kg body weight). Groups 3 and 4 were given the extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were given vitamin E (10 IU/kg body weight), the extract (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) respectively. The extract and the vitamin were administered daily by oral intubation. Blood samples analyzed for hematological indices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Decrease in white blood cell count (WBC) was observed, indicating improved immunity of animals. Extract at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight with and without vitamin E affected hemoglobin and packed cell volume.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rauwolfia vomitoria with or without vitamin E improved animal's immunity and enhances their hematology. Interaction of vitamin E with the extract affects medicinal therapeutics of this plant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, College of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Akpanabiatu Monday
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Isaiah
authors.forename: Otitoju
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Olawale
authors.forename: Edet Emmanuel
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Effiong
authors.forename: Ndem Jessie
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Idongesit
authors.forename: Uwah Anthony
authors.initials: UA
authors.lastname: Fidelis
authors.forename: Ufot Usenobong
authors.initials: UU
authors.lastname: Friday