ANTI-ANAEMIC ACTIVITY AND POTENTIAL TOXICITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF ASTERACANTHA LONGIFOLIA AND MORINGA OLEIFERA IN 2, 4-DIPHENYLHYDRAZINE INDUCED ANAEMIC RATS MODEL

Anaemia remains a widespread health issue, particularly in developing countries, due to nutritional deficiencies and oxidative stress. The use of plant-based remedies offers a safer alternative to conventional treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-anaemic activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Asteracantha longifolia and Moringa oleifera in 2, 4-diphenylhydrazine (DPH)-induced anaemic rats. Anaemia was induced in Wistar albino rats using 2, 4-diphenylhydrazine, a known hemolytic agent that generates oxidative stress. Animals were divided into five groups: normal control, anaemic control, standard treated (ferrous sulfate), and two test groups treated with hydroalcoholic extracts of Asteracantha longifolia and Moringa oleifera, respectively. Extracts were administered orally for 14 days. Hematological (RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), biochemical (serum iron, total iron-binding capacity), and histopathological evaluations of the liver and bone marrow were conducted to assess the efficacy. Both plant extracts significantly improved hemoglobin levels, RBC counts, and serum iron parameters compared to the anaemic control. Moringa oleifera showed slightly superior hematinic activity compared to Asteracantha longifolia, which was also effective but to a lesser extent. Histopathological studies supported the restoration of hematopoietic tissue structure in treated groups. The hydroalcoholic extracts of Moringa oleifera and Asteracantha longifolia demonstrated potent anti-anaemic activity in DPH-induced anaemic rats, with Moringa oleifera being comparatively more effective. These findings validate their traditional use and highlight their potential as natural hematinic agents for anaemia management.