Formulation of Nutraceutical from the Leaf Extracts of Justicia carnea, Ficus capensis and Mucuna pruriens for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a global health issue, particularly in low-income populations where access to conventional treatments is limited. This study evaluated the efficacy of a herbal teabag formulated with Justicia carnea, Ficus capensis, and Mucuna pruriens in improving hematological and biochemical markers of IDA in Wistar rats, showing results comparable to standard ferrous sulfate therapy. The results obtained showed that the teabag significantly increased the rbc from 3.58±0.61 x 1012/L in the negative control to 5.77±0.65 x 102/L and 5.64±0.73 x 1012L in the groups treated with 2ml and 4ml/kg decoction of the teabag respectively. The hemoglobin increased from 6.51±1.61mg/dl in the negative control to 9.31±1.61 and 7.97±1.38mg/dl in the groups treated with 2ml and 4ml/kg decoction of the teabag respectively. These values were not significantly difference from the normal control and the group treated with ferrous sulfate (p >0.05). The mean corpuscular volume also increased from 72.38±20.63fl in the negative to 91.07±11.72 and 90.68±8.20fl in the groups treated with 2ml and 4ml/kg decoction of the teabag respectively. The ferritin, serum iron and pack cell volume of the iron deficiency anemic rats were also significantly (p<0.05) improved on treatment with the decoction of the formulated tea bag. When compared with that of the group treated with the standard drug, ferrous sulphate, there was no significant difference. The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was also significantly decreased on treatment with the teabag decoction. The findings highlight the potential of this cost-effective herbal formulation as an alternative treatment for IDA, warranting further research for clinical application.