Abstract
Background and aims: Plant alkaloids are naturally occurring nitrogen-containing chemicals with a wide range of therapeutic applications. They have been reported to cure a considerable number of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, malaria, and heart dysfunction. This study sought to evaluate the impact of several plant alkaloids on hematological parameters in animals.
Methods: The results of different plant extracts containing alkaloids in laboratory animals on hematological indices such as red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell count, platelet count, and others using normal laboratory methods were gathered from scientific papers and databases using keywords such as plant alkaloids, alkaloid toxicity, hematological parameters, hematological changes, blood, and animals.
Results: Plant alkaloids identified through the search had different impacts on hematological indices. Some alkaloids raised RBC count, Hb concentration, and Hct, while others lowered these values. Platelet count was generally observed to increase, but there were exceptions. Certain alkaloids found in some plants have no substantial influence on hematological parameters.
Conclusion: Plant alkaloids can cause various changes in hematological parameters in animals. These alterations might be useful or deleterious depending on the alkaloid and its concentration. Understanding these effects is essential for the safe and effective use of plant-based therapies.