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. This study aimed to investigate the potential antianaemic effects of the methanol extract of red creole onions (Allium cepa) in a phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups Group I served as the control, Group II received phenylhydrazine to induce haemolytic anaemia, Group III received standard drug treatment (ferrous sulfate), and Groups IV and V received varying doses of the methanol extract of red creole onions. The treatment duration was 14 days, during which various haematological parameters were monitored. The results showed that phenylhydrazine administration significantly decreased red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, and haematocrit, while increasing reticulocyte count, a marker of increased erythropoiesis in response to anaemia. Treatment with the methanol extract of red creole onions reversed these effects, with a dose-dependent increase in red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, and haematocrit observed in the treatment groups. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated antioxidant properties by reducing the levels of malondialdehyde and enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase in the erythrocytes of the treated rats. These findings indicate that the methanol extract of red creole onions may exert its antianaemic effects by protecting against oxidative damage and promoting erythropoiesis in phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues revealed no signs of toxicity in the treated groups, supporting the safety profile of the methanol extract. Additionally, the extract exhibited no significant alterations in body weight or food intake, suggesting good tolerability in the experimental animals. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the methanol extract of red creole onions has potential antianaemic effects in phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia in rats. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and evaluate the extract's therapeutic potential in clinical settings for 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>