Hematopoietic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia catappa Leaf in Phenyl Hydrazine Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Wistar Rats

Introduction: One third of people worldwide are affected with anemia, a condition that is incredibly common. Many times, it is minor and asymptomatic and doesn't need to be managed. Prevalence rises with age and is more prevalent in elderly, pregnant, and females of reproductive age.In people above the age of 85, the prevalence is higher than 20%.In the population of nursing homes, anemia occurs 50% to 60% of the time. A dietary deficit, such as a lack of iron, folate, or vitamin B12, is the main cause of anemia in the elderly, accounting for about one-third of patients.

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract Terminalia cattapa on hematological parameters in phenyl hydrazine induced anemic Wistar rats.

Methodology: Five (5) groups (A-E) made up of twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats were assigned at random. Phenyl hydrazine (PHZ) was administered intraperitoneally for seven days at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight to produce hemolytic anemia. Anemia was assumed to have been induced when the PCV of the PHZ-induced animals was compared to that of the healthy control (non-induced) animals 24 hours following the 7th day of induction. Treatment was administered orally over the course of 14 days using aqueous extracts of Terminalia cattapa leaf at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively.

Results: The results showed no significant (p<0.05) difference in MCH, MCHC, platelets and MCV when compared with the normal standard and control, but displayed a significant (p<0.05) rise in RBC, WBC, Hb, and PCV.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that Terminalia catappa aqueous extract, used in a variety of concentrations, may simultaneously interfere with the osmoregulatory and hemopoietic system of the blood and may be a panacea to anemia.