Abstract

ANTI-ANAEMIC AND IMMUNOMODULATORY POTENTIALS OF AQUEOUS, CHLOROFORM AND METHANOL LEAF EXTRACTS OF WHITFIELDIA LATERITIA ON 2, 4-DINITROPHENYLHYDRAZINE-INDUCED ANAEMIA IN RATS

*Aja O. A., Egba S. I., Omoboyowa D. A., Odo C. E., Vining-Ogu I. C., Oko F. O.

Abstract

This study investigated the anti-anaemic and immunomodulatory potentials of the aqueous, chloroform and methanol leaf extracts of Whitfieldia lateritia on 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH)- induced anaemia in rats. Anaemia is a well-known life threatening disease in the society, and the leaves of W. lateritia are purportedly used for blood boosting in folkloric medicine. The medicinal and nutritional potential available in the plant depends on its chemical composition. The general public is becoming very interested in the plant because of its medicinal and nutritional importance; however, there are little or no documented reports to this regard, it is on this basis that this work was designed. The toxicity study, selected vitamins and mineral analyses of the extracts were carried out using standard procedures. Thirty-six Wistar rats were grouped into six (n =6). Group I: normal control; Group II: negative control; Group III: administered 0.6 ml/kg body weight (b.w) of astifer (standard drug); Group IV to VI were administered 400 mg/kg b. w. of the aqueous, chloroform and methanol leaf extracts, respectively. The result showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in PCV and haemoglobin (Hb) levels of group II rats compared with those of group I. The rats in groups V and VI showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in PCV and Hb levels compared with those of group II. Groups IV and V showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in WBC count compared with those of group II. Vitamin E and C levels in groups V and VI showed significant (P < 0.05) increase compared with those of group II. Similarly, group II rats showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in interleukin 10 concentration while non-significant (P > 0.05) decrease was observed in serum iron concentration compared with those of group I. Serum iron concentration of group III rats showed significant (P < 0.05) increase compared with that of group II. In conclusion, W. lateritia leaf has beneficial immunological and haematological properties in Wistar rats and possesses erythropoietic potential at minimal dose that supports its use for treating anaemia.

Keywords: Anti-Anaemic, Immunomodulatory, Haematology, Vitamins, Interleukin-10.