Effect of Methanol Extract of Justicia Carnea Leaf on Some Hematological Parameters of Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anaemic Rats
Abstract
Ijioma Okorie*, Elizabeth Ngozi Chukwuemeka, Joy Oguine and Ojinika Confidence Chinyere
Introduction/Objectiv: Anaemia is a major public health concern that can be prevented, and plant-based materials offer a cost-effective approach to prevention. This study investigated the potential benefits of methanol extract of Justicia carnea leaf in preventing anaemia by examining its effects on hematological parameters in rats with phenylhydrazine-induced anaemia.
Methods: Experimental study design was used to randomly assign 20 rats with similar weight into 4 groups of 5 rats each. J. carnea extract was performed using standard method. The groups are; Group 1 (300 mg/kg J. carnea extract), Group 2 (500 mg/kg J. carnea), Group 3 (100 mcg/mL fersolate), and Group 4 (no treatment). Rats received various doses of extract and fersolate, concurrently with 50 mg/mL of phenylhydrazine solution. Phytochemical, and micronutrient compositions, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell and white blood cell count were determined using standard method. Data were analysed using ANOVA and paired sample t-test, while significant level was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Justicia carnea contained alkaloids (1.11 mg/100g), flavonoid (1.53 mg/100g), phenol (2.26 mg/100g), iron (0.85 mg/100g), vitamin C (20.63 mg/100g), and vitamin B12 (3.68 mg/100g). Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between the baseline and end-line hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell, and white blood cell count of phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic rats after administration with 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of J. carnea leaf extract.
Conclusion: The study revealed dose-dependent effects of J. carnea leaf extract for improving anaemia-related health outcomes.