Background: Swertia chirata has been used for its medicinal purpose worldwide specifically in developing countries. People believe medicinal plants as safe and cost effective however, unaware of their toxic effects. Hematological parameters are essential tool to assess the degree of toxicity on cellular components of blood. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Swertia chirata on hematological parameters in rats using an automated analyzer. Methodology: Albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups of six rats each. Group 1 was control, while group 2 (LD) and group 3 (HD) received 250 mg/kgand500 mg/kg body weight of extract respectively, orally once daily. Results:No significant difference was observed in the WBC count of extract treated groups(P>0.05). The HD group did not show any significant difference (P>0.05) in RBC count, HCT, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, PDW, MPV, PLCRas compared to control and LD groups. Whereas,MCHC was decreased in the LD group (P < 0.0001; P < 0.05)as compared tothe control and high dose groups respectively. The RDW in the LD group was significantly increased(P < 0.005) as compared to the control group. The P-LCR and PDW of the LD group, were significantly decreased(P < 0.05) as compared to the control and HD groups. Conclusion: Oral administration of Swertia chirata at low dose increases RDW and decreases MCHC, P-LCR and PDW, while no significant difference was observed at high dose on different hematological parameters.

Key words: Hematological parameters, Hemoglobin,Swertia chirata, platelet count, red blood cell, WBC count