Elemental compositions and anti-anemic property of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark

Abstract

The concentrations of 15 elements and heavy metals in the stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis were determined using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The anti-anemic activity was done using the changes in hematological parameters (PCV, RBC and Hb) influenced by phenylhydrazine HCL (80 mg/kg) and malaria parasites-induced anemia. Results show Cd, Ni, Mo, Cr and Br were in the range of 0.02–0.9 mg/g, while Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu and Hg were in the range of 1.5–7.2 mg/g. The elements with very high concentration were Ca, K, Sr, Mn and Cl and were in the range of 10.5–774.3 mg/g. Remarkable anti-anemic activity was obtained with PCV of 40–48%, RBC count of 81-155 x 104 and Hb value of 57-66 g/dL after treatment; compared with 30% PCV, 67 x 104 RBC count and 36.5 g/dL Hb value obtained for the untreated control animals. Our results suggest that H. madagascariensis stem bark extract constituents exhibit anti-anemic activity.

Keywords

• Anti-anemic activity
• Harungana madagascariensis
• X-ray fluorescence
• Stem bark