Cardio-hematoprotective Effects of Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract against Phenylhydrazine-induced Hemolytic Anemia in Rats

Abstract

Phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced hemolytic anemia is associated with oxidative stress and hematological dysfunction. This study evaluated the cardio-hematoprotective effects of combined Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts in PHZ-induced rats. Rats were divided into four groups: neutral control, PHZ-treated, PHZ + standard drug (Oreifer), and PHZ + plant extract. Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH) in cardiac tissue and hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, Hb, PCV, PLT) were assessed. PHZ administration significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while reducing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and glutathione (GSH), indicating oxidative stress. It also caused marked reductions in red blood cells (RBC: 2.9 ± 0.82 ×10⁶/µL), hemoglobin (HGB: 31.42 ± 7.0 g/dL), and packed cell volume (PCV: 26.14 ± 5.5%), while elevating white blood cells (WBC: 13.12 ± 2.1 ×10³/µL) and platelets (PLT: 72.68 ± 12.4 ×10³/µL). Treatment with the combined plant extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced MDA levels and restored antioxidant defenses, with notable improvements in CAT and GSH levels. Hematological parameters were also significantly improved, with restoration of RBC, Hb, and WBC levels toward normal. The effects of the extract were comparable to the standard drug in most parameters. These findings suggest that Manihot esculenta and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts possess potent antioxidant, cardioprotective, and hematoprotective properties, and may serve as promising therapeutic agents against oxidative stress and hemolytic anemia. Further dose and duration optimization are recommended.