Effect of a Bi-Herbal Formula of Picralima Nitida and Cymbopogon Citratus aqueous leaf extracts on Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase and Krüppel-Like Factor- 1 Genes In Phenyl-Hydrazine induced Anaemia in Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is crucial in protecting red blood cells from oxidative stress, while Krüppel-like factor-1 (KLF-1) regulates erythropoiesis and haemoglobin. Understanding how the bi-herbal formulation modulates these genes could provide valuable insights into its potential as a therapeutic intervention for anaemia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the bi-herbal formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extracts on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and Krüppel like factor-1 (KLF-1) gene expressions in phenyl-hydrazine induced anaemia in albino Wistar rats.

 Methods: A total of thirty (30) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, a phenyl hydrazine group, ferrous sulphate group, phenyl hydrazine + 100mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus, phenyl hydrazine + 200mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus and phenyl hydrazine + 400mg/kg bi-herbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus respectively. mRNA of G6PD and KLF-1 were determined using a polymerase chain reaction. Data obtained was analysed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Software.

Results:  There was a significant increase in group B's mRNA expression of G6PD compared to group A (p<0.05). Groups C, D, E and F had a higher mRNA expression when compared to groups A and B (p<0.05). There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of KLF1 in groups C, D and E compared to groups A and B (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study concludes that administering a bi-herbal formulation altered the gene expression of G6PD and KLF-1.