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. 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.

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