Hematological Effects of Chromolaena Odorata Leaves Extract on Phenyl Hydrazine Induced Anaemic Rats

Aim: This study aim to investigate the phytochemical profiles of the leaves of Chromolaena odorata and evaluate the effects of its ethanolic extracts on hematological parameters in phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in albino rats.

Study Design: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted to analyze the hematological effects of Chromolaena odorata extracts on inducted anemic rats.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, from June 2016 to August 2016.

Methodology: Twelve albino male rats (weight range: 80-170 g) were divided into four groups of three. Group 1 received standard feed and water (control). Group 2 was injected with 40 mg/kg phenylhydrazine to induce anemia. Groups 3 and 4 received the same dose of phenylhydrazine and were subsequently treated with 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Chromolaena odorata ethanolic extract, respectively, for eight days. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet count, were measured and analyzed.

Results: The hematological parameters were raised after the oral administration of the ethanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata. The red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelet count was 5.75±0.19, 11.83±0.123, 36.24±0.25 and 562.33±2.52 respectively, with those of the induce rats and treated rats raised to 8.62±0.11, 21.65±0.50, 61.00±0.42 and 587.50±3.54 respectively while that of the control remained low. There was also increase in mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution width.

Conclusion: The findings shows that the ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata has potential therapeutic effects in alleviating hemolytic anemia by improving hematological parameters. Further studies are warranted to explore its mechanisms and broader applications in treating anemia.