Erythropoietic Potentials of Leaf Extracts from Selected Popular Vegetables in Nigeria

Abstract

Anaemia a potent indicator of poor health and nutrition, is a disease characterized by decreased red cell mass of the blood and resulting in decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the body. It is estimated that over 40% of the Nigerian population is anaemic. This study investigates the erythropoietic potentials of leaf extracts from five commonly consumed vegetables in Nigeria: Jatropha tanjorensis, Ocimum gratissimum, Telfairia occidentalis, Talinum triangulaire, and Vernonia amygdalina. Utilising an in-vivo Wistar rat model, the research assessed the effects of these extracts on red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) over a 4-week treatment period. The results demonstrated that all extracts positively influenced erythropoiesis, with exhibiting the most significant erythropoietic activity (p < 0.05). Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the control and treatment groups, suggesting that these vegetable leaves could offer potential dietary benefits in managing anaemia.