Study on Haematinic Effect of Icacina trichanta Leaf Extract on Some Haematological Parameters of Anaemia-Induced Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Anaemia is a common haematological disorder that can impair oxygen transport and overall physiological function, often requiring the exploration of alternative therapies. This study evaluates the potential of Icacina trichantha leaf extract to improve haematological parameters in anaemic albino rats. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups (A–F): control, Aluminium chloride–induced anaemia, ferrous sulphate treatment, and Aluminium chloride plus Icacina trichantha extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture and analysed using an automated haematology analyser. The data generated were analysed using GraphPad Prism. Results showed no statistically significant differences in total white blood cell counts, lymphocyte percentages, and MID cell counts (i.e., granulocyte counts) across all experimental groups (p>0.05). Red blood cell 
parameters, including RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, MCH, MCHC, RDW-SD, and RDW-CV also showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05), except for a substantial reduction in MCV in the 400 mg/kg Icacina trichantha 
group (54.64 ± 0.96 fL) compared to the ferrous sulphate-treated group (58.22 ± 0.49 fL) (p < 0.05). Platelet counts ranged from 586.20 ± 123.40 × 10⁹/L in the 200 mg/kg group to 824.80 ± 115.40 × 10⁹/L in the control group, with MPV (7.14–7.78 fL), PCT (0.43–0.63%), 
and P-LCR (5.66–9.90%) showing no significant differences (p>0.05), respectively. However, PDW was significantly lower in the 200 mg/kg group (8.96 ± 0.27%) compared with control (10.43 ± 0.07%), aluminium chloride only (10.18 ± 0.36%) and 100 mg/kg extract (10.6 ± 0.31%) groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Icacina trichantha leaf extract demonstrates stable effects on haematological parameters in Aluminium chloride–induced anaemia in Albino Wistar rats, suggesting its haematinic potential in supporting blood cell homeostasis