Hematological Effects of Combined Aqueous Extract Fractions of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea in Albino Rats

Abstract

The incidence of anemia is generally higher in third-world countries compared to developed countries due to the presence of many predisposing and aggravating factors. This study aimed at determining the effect of combined leaf extract fractions of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea on the hematological parameters of albino rats. The leaves were macerated in water, and allowed to separate into two layers- supernatant and downlayer. The supernatant of the two plants and a non-separated extract (whole extracts) were combined separately, and used for the study. These were administered orally to male albino rats (n=24) for four weeks. Animals were divided into six groups of four rats- control, standard blood tonic, 100 mg/kg b.w of combined supernatant, 100 mg/kg b.w of combined whole extract, 200 mg/kg b.w of combined supernatant, and 200 mg/kg b.w of combined whole extract. Blood was collected via orbital sinus puncture, and hematological parameters were analyzed using automated hematology analyzer. Hematological analysis revealed varying effects across the groups. The results showed a non-significant changes (P>0.05) in the levels of hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell, lymphocytes, packed cell volume, monocytes, MCV and basophils, while significant changes (P<0.05) were observed in the level of neutrophils of Group F compared to the control, and platelet counts of group C compared to the control and standard blood tonic group. These findings suggest that the combined aqueous fractions of Mucuna pruriens and Justicia carnea possess some hematological activities, warranting further investigation into their specific mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications or toxicological implications.