Evaluation of the Hematopoietic Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Ficus capensis in Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number and size of red blood cells, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. It is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide, affecting approximately 1.6 billion people globally. Caused by insufficient iron intake, absorption, or chronic blood loss . The main causes of IDA can be classified into three categories: inadequate dietary iron intake, increased iron requirements, and chronic blood loss  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methanolic leaves extract of Ficus capensis on some haematological parameters in phenylhydrazine-induced iron deficiency anaemic Wistar rats. This is an experimental design which comprises of 36 wistar rats with 5 rats in each group.  Group 1 as Normal Control, group 2 as negative control, group 3 positive control, group 4 Low-Dose, group 5 Medium-Dose, group 6 High-Dose and group 7 extract and ferrous sulfate.  In conclusion treatment with Ficus capensis extract led to a notable normalization of these leukocytic parameters. The medium dose and high dose extract groups maintained WBC counts. Treatment with F. capensis normalized platelet parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Low-, medium-, and high-dose extracts restored PLT counts to physiological ranges. Shows that the methanolic extract of Ficus capensis leaves contains a complex mixture of fatty acids, esters, terpenoids, and hydrocarbons phytochemicals typically associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hematopoietic (blood building) activities. The medium dose and high dose extract groups maintained WBC counts. In conclusion treatment with F. capensis normalized platelet parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Low-, medium-, and high-dose extracts restored PLT counts to physiological ranges. Shows that the methanolic extract of Ficus capensis leaves contains a complex mixture of fatty acids, esters, terpenoids, and hydrocarbons phytochemicals typically associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hematopoietic (blood-building) activities.