Evaluation of the Systemic Effects of Topical Application of Jatropha Curcas Crude Latex, on Intact Skin and Wounds in Wistar Rats

Jatropha curcas is a flowering plant used locally for treatment of skin lesions, wounds, oral candidiasis and as a purgative. This study is aimed at evaluating the systemic effects of Jatropha curcas sap on the full blood count parameters and renal function following topical application on intact and wounded skin in Wistar rats. These rats were placed in four groups (A, B, C, D) of 6 wistar rat each. A 3cm long incision was inflicted at the back of rats in group A of and were treated with the latex of Jatropha curcas. Group C had the crude sap of Jatropha curcas applied on the shaven intact skin. These were compared with groups B that had same size of wound and was treated with 0.9% normal saline and the last group (group D) had no wound nor treatment. The animals were sacrificed after four weeks. Blood samples were collected for biochemical assays. Following application of the latex of Jatropha curcas to the wound, there was formation of blood clots in 5 seconds. There was a significant decrease in the total white blood cell count in the groups treated with Jatropha curcas. There was increased neutrophil count in the groups treated with Jatropha curcas with decreased lymphocyte count when compared to the control. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) in the results of the electrolyte urea and creatinine. There was no statistical difference in the renal function parameters following topical application of Jatropha curcas latex on intact and wounded skin when compared to the control. The result shows that application of Jatropha curcas latex decreased total white cell count with no effect on the renal function and serum electrolytes.

Key Words: Wound, Jatropha cucas, blood clots, anaesthesia, incision