Studies on antianaemic potential of methanol extract of red creole onions (allium cepa) in phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia in rats

Project Abstract

Haemolytic anaemia is a condition characterized by the accelerated destruction of red blood cells leading to a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The present study aimed to investigate the potential antianaemic effects of the methanol extract of red creole onions (Allium cepa) in a rat model of phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia. Rats were divided into five groups Group I (normal control), Group II (haemolytic control), Group III (standard control - treated with standard drug ferrous sulfate), Group IV and Group V (test groups - treated with methanol extract of red creole onions at two different doses). Haemolytic anaemia was induced in Groups II-V by administering phenylhydrazine for 3 consecutive days. The test groups were treated with the methanol extract for 14 days following the induction of anaemia. The results showed that phenylhydrazine administration significantly decreased the levels of hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and hematocrit while increasing total bilirubin and reticulocyte count compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the methanol extract of red creole onions at both doses significantly reversed these changes, with Group V (higher dose) showing more pronounced effects. The extract also demonstrated antioxidant properties, as evidenced by the reduction in lipid peroxidation and elevation of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the test groups compared to the haemolytic control group. Histopathological analysis of the liver and spleen revealed that the extract-treated groups exhibited less tissue damage and preserved architecture compared to the haemolytic control group. These findings suggest that the methanol extract of red creole onions possesses potent antianaemic effects, possibly mediated through its antioxidant properties. In conclusion, the methanol extract of red creole onions showed promising antianaemic potential in the phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia rat model. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and to determine the active components responsible for the observed effects. The findings of this study highlight the potential therapeutic value of red creole onions in the management of haemolytic anaemia.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p>Anaemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood (Iwalewa <em>et al,</em>&nbsp;2009). However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of each hemoglobin molecule due to deformity or lack in numerical development as in some other types of hemoglobin deficiency. Because hemoglobin normally carries oxygen from the lungs to the capillaries, anemia leads to hypoxia in organs. Since all human cells depend on oxygen for survival, varying degrees of anemia has a wide range of clinical consequences. Anaemia is characterized by excessive destruction of erythrocytes at a rate that exceeds the bone marrow‟s capability to compensate for the blood loss (Holy <em>et al</em>, 2015).</p><p>Anaemia is one of the clinical conditions that constitute a serious health problem in many tropical countries as a result of the prevalence of different forms of parasitic infections, including malaria (Dacie and Lewis, 1994). In the tropics, due to prevalence of malaria and other parasitic infections, between 10 to 20 % of the population are reported to possess less than 10g/dl of haemoglobin in the blood (Diallo <em>et al,</em>&nbsp;2008).</p><p>Hemolytic Anemia is an acquired type of Anemia caused by hemolysis (premature destruction of red blood cells). Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is the primary type, in which antibodies produced by the immune system damage RBCs. The causes of hemolytic anemia is sometimes unknown or associated with disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphoma, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Other causes are high exposure to certain metals or chemicals (lead, copper, benzene, naphthalene), snake and insect bites, malaria, transfusions, post-surgical complications, and drugs such as methyldopa. In infants, blood group</p><p></p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>