Anaemia is the most common disorder of the blood. Standard treatment of anaemia with iron supplementation, blood transfusion and the administration of an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) has been associated with a number of adverse drug reactions. Herbal drugs are claimed to be safer ones because they have shown a few adverse drug reactions when compared to modern synthetic drugs. This study was conducted to establish the hematopoietic and haematinic potential of Cydonia oblonga in an attempt to seek treatment against anaemia. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Cydonia oblonga (HECO) at the dose of 500 and 800 mg/kg p.o. was given to New Zealand white rabbits. After thirty days of dosing, the effect of the extract on blood cells and liver enzymes was assessed. Results showed that haemoglobin (Hb), RBC count and hematocrit of Cydonia oblonga treated rabbits were increased highly significantly (bp < 0.001) when compared to normal control rabbits. Leukocyte and platelet counts were increased significantly (ap < 0.05). The levels of liver enzymes such as SGPT, SGOT, gamma GT and alkaline phosphatase were insignificantly decreased in both HECO 500 and 800 mg/kg group rabbits when compared with the control rabbits. The results show that HECO has significant hematopoietic and haematinic potential and can safely be used to treat anaemia.
Loading....