Antianemic Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Leaves of Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae) in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) of Wistar Strain

Abstract

The aim of this research is to further scientific knowledge about traditional African remedies. To this end, the properties of an aqueous extract of Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae) leaves were analysed to determine its effectiveness against anaemia. The disease was induced in Wistar rats by administering phenylhydrazine hydrochloride, which caused alterations in their blood parameters. Oral treatment with an aqueous extract of Petroselinum crispum at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight or with the reference drug Ranferon® corrected the anaemia within 14 days. Indicators such as erythrocyte count, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, as well as mean corpuscular volume and mean haemoglobin concentration, returned to physiological values. At a dose of 1000 mg/kg, the extract proved to be more effective, offering results similar to those obtained with Ranferon®. This research highlights the anti-anaemic properties of the aqueous extract of Petroselinum crispum leaves, in line with its recognised effectiveness in traditional medicine.