Project Abstract

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.

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