EFFECTS OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF JATROPHA TANJORENSIS ON PULMONARY HISTOLOGY IN ALBINO RABBITS.

The effects of ethanol leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on pulmonary histology in albino rabbits was investigated. Eighteen (18) male and female rabbits weighing 2. 0 – 3. 0kg were randomly assigned into three (3) groups of six (6) animals each comprising one (1) control group and two (2) experimental (test) groups.The control group was administered distilled water and 3kg of standard animal feed, while experimental (test) groups I and II received 100mg/kg and 300mg/kg body weights of ethanol leaf extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis, respectively for sixty (60) days. The diets of the animals wasfurther supplemented with 3kg feed mixed with 10g and 30g of finely ground dried Jatropha tanjorensis leaves respectively. Histopathological assessment revealed dose dependent alterations in the pulmonary tissues of treated rabbits characterized by collapsed aveolar sacs (AS), thick interaveolar septa (IAS), inflammatory cell infiltrates found around the peribronchial and perivascular regions was present in the 100mg/kg treated group. For the 300mg/kg body weightgroup, there was a more pronounced thickening of the alveolar septa, congested bronchioles with inflammatory cells, mucus plugs, collapsed alveolar sacs and presence of hemorrhage. These findings suggest that prolonged administration of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extract may exert harmful effects on the integrity of the lungs emphasizing the need for caution in its therapeutic and dietary applications.