Hematinic effects of Spondias mombin and its protective role against the spleenotoxic effect of phenylhydrazine

Abstract

Abstract Background This study was aimed at evaluating the hematinic effect of Spondias mombin and its protective role against the spleenotoxic effect of Phenylhydrazine (PHZ). Methods Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups. Group A (Control) animals were neither given the extract nor PHZ. Rats in groups B and C were administered 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight doses of the extract respectively. Anemia was induced in rats in groups D and E by oral administration of 40 mg/kg body weight of PHZ and concomitantly administered 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight doses of the extract respectively. Anemia was also induced in rats in group F by administration of 40 mg/kg body weight of PHZ but without administration of the extract. Results Histology of the spleen show moderate expansion of the red pulp and contraction of lymphoid follicles in group F and mild follicular activation and sinus histiocytosis in group D. There were significant (p < 0.05) increase in the weight of the spleen in group F and decrease in group C. Results also show significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the RBC count in group F and increases in the Mean Corpuscular Volume and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin in groups D and E. There was also a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Count in group D. Conclusion This study shows the hematinic effect of Spondias mombin and its possible use in ethno-medicine in managing anemic conditions, as well as its potential in protecting against the spleenotoxic effect of PHZ.

Keywords

• Spondias mombin
• Phenylhydrazine
• Hematinic
• Spleenotoxic
• Histiocytosis