In Vivo Antianaemic Effect and Safety of Aqueous Extracts of Erythrina abyssinica and Zanthoxylum usambarensis in Mice Models

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the hematinic effects and long term safety of Zanthoxylum usambarensis and Erythrina abyssinica in mice. Aqueous stem extracts of Z. usambarensis and E. abyssinica were screened for their haematinic activity in Phenylhydrazine induced anemic mice using the oral route. Hematological parameters were analysed as indices of anemia. The safety of these plant extracts was studied by orally administering 1 g/kg body weight of aqueous extracts daily in mice for thirty days and determining changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters. The mineral content of the extracts was estimated using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence system (TRXF) while phytochemicals were assessed using standard procedures. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treatment induced macrocytic anemia. Administration of Z. usambarensis and E. abyssinica extracts at 100 mg/kg body weight daily for three weeks increased the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume and decreased the mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin though E. abyssinica returned these parameters to normal. Administration of Z. usambarensis and E. abyssinica extracts at 1 g/kg body weight daily for four weeks significantly increased the activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and amylase and the levels of urea and creatine in the treated mice. Extracts from both plants had alkaloids and flavonoids and minerals potassium, calcium, chromium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, nickel, arsenic, and lead. This study has confirmed in vivo haematinic activity and safety of aqueous stem bark extracts of Z. usambarensis and E. abyssinica. The observed haematinic activity could be attributed to the phytonutrients present in these plants. The study recommends continued use of Z. usambarensis and E. abyssinica in the management of anaemia at the right doses as high doses are toxic.