Phytochemistry, and Effects of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> Leaf Extracts on the Growth and Haematological Properties of Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Standard protocols were used to assess the biochemistry, phytochemistry, and effects of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extracts on the growth and haematological parameters of wistar albino rats. Results revealed ascorbic acid and chlorophyll contents of 158.2+0.7mg/100g and 5.8+0.1mg/100g respectively in fresh leaf samples, while plant extracts contained abundant Tannin, Cardiac glucoside and Flavonoids with moderate amounts of Alkaloid, Saponin and Terpene. Acute toxicity of extracts determined by administering crude ethnaolic extracts intraperitoneally to rats at a dose range of 200mg/kg-1000mg/kg revealed an LD50 of 480 mg/kg. Three fractions (nhexane, ethylacetate and n-butanol) were obtained and screened for rat growth promoting potentials. Results of weight, water intake and feed consumption revealed a net gain of 57.7g (22%) and 30.4g (11%) in weight; increased water intake of 3.9ml (19.7%) and 1.3ml (17%) and increased feed consumption of 1.5g (12.9%) and 1.3g (11.6%) in rats after 28 days treatment with n-butanol and ethylacetate fractions respectively. Studies of haematological potentials of n-butanol fraction of T. occidentalis leaf extracts showed significant (P<0.05) increase in Red Blood cells level (6.19+0.20x10⁶/L), Haemoglobin (18.36+0.84g/dL) and platelet counts (747.33+2.03x10³/mL). When compared to other fractions, the butanol fraction had the highest haematological activity, and additional analysis suggested that the bioactive molecule B2b may be responsible for this. The findings suggest that butanol fraction B2b is a safe and potent hematinic capable of alleviating anemic conditions, and they also confirm the use of T. occidentalis leaf decoction in traditional medicine for the treatment of anemia and other blood-related disorders, suggesting that it could be prescribed as an adjunct to dietary and main anemia therapy.