Waheeb D. M. Alharbi and ELawad Bahaeldin ELkhair*
Contamination of foodstuff and animal feeds by aflatoxin producing molds is a recurrent global public health problem. Aflatoxin B1 is the most potent and carcinogenic of all aflatoxin subtypes. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of conditions such as cell carcinoma, malnutrition, immunosuppression, bone marrow depression and growth retardation. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of coleus forskohlii roots extract on reduction of red blood cell parameters induced by aflatoxin B1 in albino rats. Eighteen male albino rats were divided randomly into three equal groups. The first group was given tap water free from mycotoxins. The second group was toxicated with intraperitoneal injection of aflatoxin B1. The third group was aflatoxicated in the same manner plus coleus forskohlii extract administration. A venous blood sample was obtained for measurement of red blood cell parameters. Result: Aflatoxicated rats in the second group demonstrated a significant decrease in total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume. Rats treated with coleus forskohlii extract showed normal values of red blood cell parameters. This study revealed that the depression of red blood cell paramters induced by aflatoxin B1 in albino rats was antagonized by coleus forskohlii roots extract.
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