Effect of Pupalia lappacea, Iresine herbstii, Ficus capensis and Morinda lucida Leaf Extracts on Phenylhydrazin-Induced Anaemic Adult Male Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Purpose: The study evaluated the effect of Pupalia lappacea, Ipomoea herbstii, Ficus capensis and Morinda lucida leaf extracts on phenylhydrazin-induced anaemic Wistar albino rats. Materials and Method: Wild leaves of Pupalia lappacea, Ipomoea herbstii, Ficus capensis and Morinda lucida were collected from Egede and Enugu Ngwo communities in Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. The leaves were cleaned and shade-dried at room temperature for seven days, and milled separately into homogeneous powders of 60 µm using a laboratory hammer mill. Methanol extracts of the powdered samples were prepared by cold maceration. Acute toxicity test (LD50) was conducted to determine safe dosage levels. Adult male Wistar albino rats (n=120) were acclimatized and randomly assigned into five groups of six rats per extract. Anaemia was induced with phenylhydrazine and confirmed before treatment. Based on established safe levels, three doses (10, 100, 1000 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to Groups B, C, and D, respectively for 14 days. Groups A served as the untreated control, while Group E received a standard anaemia drug (Astymin blood tonic). Blood samples were collected via retro-orbital puncture under ether anesthesia and analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb). Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Findings: A significant increase (p < 0.05) in PCV, RBC and Hb levels was observed from baseline to end-line in all extract-treated groups. These improvements were comparable to those observed in the group treated with the standard drug. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This study provides evidence supporting the hematopoietic effects of Pupalia lappacea, Ipomoea herbstii, Ficus capensis, and Morinda lucida, contributing to the understanding of their bioactive properties. Practically, these plants show potential as alternative therapies for anaemia, especially in resource-limited settings. There is need to support further research and regulation to integrate validated herbal treatments into anaemia management strategies.