Synergistic Pharmacological Effect of Leaf Extracts of Ficus exasperata and Telfeira occidentalis on Chloramphenicol - Induced Anaemia in Wistar Rats
Nweje- Anyalowu Paul Chukwuemeka *
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Clifford University, Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria.
Anyalogbu Ernest Anayochukwu Aniemeka
Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Idakwoji Precious Adejoh
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
Agatemor Uzuazokaro Mark-Maria
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Uroko Robert Ikechukwu
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objective: This study was undertaken to validate the haematinic potentials of the aqueous leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata (FEAE) and Telfeira occidentalis (TOAE) administered separately and to establish a possible synergistic interaction when administered concurrently to chloramphenicol- induced anaemic rats.
Materials and Methods: Anaemia was induced by oral administration of chloramphenicol (50 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Five (5) non- anaemic rats and Twenty (20) anaemic rats were used in this study. The non – anaemic rats served as non- anaemic control and received 1ml dist. H2O. The 25 anaemic rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each (groups 2- 6). Group 2 served as anaemic control and received 1 ml dist. H2O, group 3 served as positive control (reference drug) and received ferrous gluconate (900 mg/kg) while groups 4- 6 received FEAE (200 mg/kg), TOAE (200 mg/kg) and FEAE (100 mg/kg) + TOAE (100 mg/kg) respectively. Treatment was carried out once daily for 7 days after which the rats were bled for determination of PCV, Hb and WBC count.
Results: Chloramphenicol induced a significant decrease PVC and Hb indicating anaemia and also resulted to a significant increase in WBC count. Aqueous leaves extracts of Ficus exasperata and Telfeira occidentalis produced significant increase in PCV and Hb with a corresponding decrease in WBC after 7 days of oral administration to anaemic rats. The anti- anaemic effect observed with co-administration of the extracts was however, significantly more than either of the extract administered alone.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the extracts of Ficus exasperata and Telfeira occidentalis show synergistic effect when co-administered. This could be useful in the management of anaemia.
Keywords: Synergistic, pharmacological, Telfeira occidentalis, chloramphenicol, anaemia