Studies on erythrocyte membrane IV: in vitro haemolytic activity of oleander extract.

Aqueous extract of oleander seeds produced haemolysis of both human and sheep erythrocytes, the latter being more sensitive to this effect. The degree of haemolysis is dependent upon the quantity of the extract and the pH of the medium. The haemolytic effect of the extract was due to severe damage to the membrane leading to the release of phospholipids and sterols.