Effect of Telfaria occidentalis extract on experimentally induced anaemia in domestic rabbits

Abstract

The haemopoietic properties of a local plant, Telfaria occidentalis (Ugu) was investigated. A total of 20 rabbits equally divided into 4 groups (A,B,C and D) were used. Group A which served as the control group was neither bled nor treated while groups B , C and D were bled to induce clinical anaemia. Group B was left untreated while groups C and D were treated respectively with Haematopan B12 (a commercially prepared haematinic) and alcohol extracts of Telfaria occidentalis. Post-hemorrhagic values were obtained at weekly intervals over a period of time and then compared with the pre-hemorrhagic values. The study revealed that animals in group D recovered faster than those of groups B and C thus implying that the extract has considerable haematinic properties which could be explored to the maximum since the plant is available every season of the year.

Keywords: Telfaria occidentalis, haematinic, anaemia.