Effect of Gossypium hirsutum L. Ethanol Leaf Extract on Phenylhydrazine-induced Anaemic Rats

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Gossypium hirsutum L. on some haematological indices in Phenylhydrazine induced anaemia in rats. In this study, forty two (42) rats were grouped into seven groups. Anaemia was induced using Phenylhydrazine, a substance which induce anaemia as a result of peroxidation of erythrocytes membrane lipid. The result showed that the ethanol leaf extract of G .hirsutum administered orally (100-400 mg/kg body weight) significantly (p< 0.05) exhibited hematinic activity in a dose dependent manner on haematological indices compared to experimental control and normal rats. Studies on the serum biochemical markers of liver damage showed significant (p< 0.05) protective effect of the extract on treatment groups compared to experimental control and normal rats. The oral LD₅₀ of the ethanol leaf extract was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight indicating it’s safe. The results showed that G. hirsutum leaf has hematinic properties thus justifying its use in the management of anaemia especially among pregnant women in the traditional medical practice.

Keywords: Phenylhydrazine, Anaemic rats, Ethanol Leaf Extracts, Gossypium hirsutum, Anaemia