Obiajulu Christian Ezeigwe
1* 
, Chidinma Felicia Ezennaya
2 , Ebele Lauretta Iloanya
1 , Chioma Henrietta Obi
1 , Nma Helen Ifedilichukwu
3 , Chisom Miracle Okeke
1 1 Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
2 Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
3 Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Introduction: Anemia is a common health condition caused by a decrease in red blood cells. Some medicinal plants are used as a remedy to treat anemia. This study compares the anti-anemic properties of different doses of the aqueous extracts of Ficus capensis (AEFC) and its combination with the aqueous extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (AECA) in phenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats. Methods: Anemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg phenylhydrazine for five consecutive days. Graded doses of the extracts were given by oral gavage once a day continuously for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, blood was collected for hematological analysis. Results: The antianemic effects of AEFC and its combination with AECA were demonstrated by significant increases (P < 0.05) in the hemoglobin (HGB), packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count of the extract-treated groups compared to the anemic control group. There was a better increase in the HGB levels of a combination of 400 mg/kg AEFC + AECA (13.97 ± 2.53) compared to 400 mg/kg AEFC (12.06 ± 0.02). The PCV increased more in 400 mg/kg combination of AEFC + AECA (41.94 ± 0.37) compared to 400 mg/kg AEFC (36.31 ± 1.51). A significant (P < 0.05) increase was observed in the RBC count of a combination of 400 mg/kg AEFC + AECA (6.36±0.51) compared to 400 mg/kg AEFC (4.75 ± 0.46). Conclusion: Although AEFC improved the haematological parameters of the animals when administered alone, its combination with AECA yielded a far much better result by totally restoring the haematological parameters of the phenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats to normal.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
Ficus capensis and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius are phytomedicines endowed with antianemic potentials. This research shows the promising anti-anemic prospects of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius in rats. The combination of the extracts might be used for anemia due to the probable synergistic effects of the extracts.