Abstract

The stem latex of Jatropha grossypifolia is routinely used by local and some urban dwellers in Southern Nigeria to stop bleeding from nose, gum and injured skin.  Safety of its use was investigated in different groups of wistar albino rats using different doses of the latex. Different numbers of incisions were made on the thighs of different groups of animals and different doses of the stem latex applied. The procedure was repeated on daily basis for 18 days. The control group was not incised. The animals were sacrificed and the effect of the stem latex on blood biochemistry and haematology were assessed using standard techniques. There were no statistical significant differences (P>0.05) in the result of biochemical and haematological parameters obtained for the control and experimental animals. The findings of this study showed that the stem latex of Jatropha gossypifolia has no harmful effects.

Key words: Safety, Jatropha gosssypifolia, stem latex, biochemical, haematological, parameters.