The present study investigated the effects of aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn seed extract on some haematological parameters and serum electrolyte concentration of lactating albino rats. A total of twenty five (25) female apparently healthy albino rats were used for the study. They were assigned into the following groups: Group 1: Served as control group and received 1ml of distilled water, Group 2: Received metoclopramide 5mg/kg body weight, Group 3: Received 250 mg/kg b w of extract, Group 4: Received 500 mg/kg b w of extract and Group 5: Received 1000 mg/kg b w of extract respectively. All regimen was given orally once daily for a period of eight (8) days, starting from day 3 to day 11 of lactation. The acute toxicity and phytochemical screening were carried out. The result obtained from this study showed that the extract significantly decreased (p<0.05) the level of red cell count in the group treated with 1000 mg/kg b w when compared with the control group. However, total white blood cell count and neutophil counts were statistically significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the groups treated with 1000 and 250 mg/kg b w respectively when compared to the control group. However, there was a significantly decreased (p<0.05) serum sodium ion and potassium ion level in the groups administered with 500 and 250 mg/kg b w respectively when compared to the control group. The result of acute toxicity studies obtained showed that the aqueous Cucurbita pepo Linn seed extract was safe up to 5000 mg/kg b w. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavanoids and alkaloids. It can be concluded that the plant extract did not produce a significant change on haematological parameters and serum electrolyte profile. However, the red cell count and serum sodium and potassium ions were significantly altered when compared to the control group.
