Evaluation of hematinic effects of aqueous leaf extract of hibiscus acetosella welw. Ex hiern on phenyl hydrazine-induced anemia in wistar rats

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological information indicates that the leaves of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern are used in the treatment of anemia in western and central Uganda. In this study, the aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern was tested for its haematinic activity in Wistar rats. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ- 4 mg/kg, IP) was used to induce anemia in rats for a period of two weeks. Animals were grouped into six groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6); each group had six rats. Group 1 (negative control), group 2 (positive control), group 3 were treated with FeSO4, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with different doses of the extract (1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg, and 4000 mg/kg, respectively). Screening of phytochemicals was performed, and acute toxicity study was carried out according to the Lorke's experiment 1993. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern contains tannins, flavonoids, diterpenes, steroids, and saponins. The aqueous leaf extract of Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex. Hiern exhibits haematinic effects. Keywords: Hematinic effects, Aqueous leaf extract, Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern, Phenyl hydrazine induced anemia, and Wistar rats.