The Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Calyces Effectively Corrects Induced Anemia

Background: Medicinal plants are used by different people around the world to solve health problems. The challenge today is to scientifically prove their efficacy and safety. This work was aimed to experimentally evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) calyces extract used in Benin to treat anemia. Methods: Phytochemical screening of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces aqueous extract was prepared. Wistar rats were made anemic by injecting phenylhydrazine for two days. The rats were then treated for two weeks either with distilled water or vitafer (anti-anemic drug) or extract at 200 or 300 mg / Kg body weight. Blood samples were collected on different days for blood count and to analyze the red blood cells osmotic resistance. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed presence of catechin tannins, galiques tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanin, quinone derivatives, terpenoids, steroids, reducing compounds, mucilage, anthracene derivatives and free o-glycoside. The extract corrected anemia in a week by stimulating the synthesis of hemoglobin and the production of red blood cells with a dose-dependent effect. It induced a release of immature red blood cells (microcytosis and hypochromia) only the first week of correction. The extract did not change significantly the number of blood platelets during the experiment suggesting specificity on erythroid lineage. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces counteract induced anemia with specificity and in a dose-dependent manner. Sènou M 1, 2* , Agossadou A 1 , Agbangnan DCP 3 , Tchogou AP 1 , Assogba F 4 , Klotoé JR 1 , Dougnon TV 1 , Gbénou J 4 , Lalèyè A 5 , Sèzan A 6 &Loko F 1 1-Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, R. Benin. 2Experimental and Clinic Biology Unit, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Dassa, National University of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (UNSTIM), DassaZoumé, R. Benin. 3Laboratory of Study and Research in Applied Chemistry / Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi / University of AbomeyCalavi,R. Benin. 4-Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essentials Oils, Institute of Applied Bio-medical Sciences,University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, R. Benin. 5-Human Biology Unit, Faculty of Health Science, Cotonou, R. Benin. 6Laboratory of Biomembrane and Cell Signaling, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Abomey-Calavi, R Benin. Submission: 7 November 2016 Accepted: 12 November 2016 Published: 25 November 2016 www.ijppr.humanjournals.com Citation: Sènou M et al. Ijppr.Human, 2016; Vol. 7 (4): 254-265. 255 INTRODUCTION Anemia is a common blood disorder that affects people of all ages, although the people at greater risk are the elderly, young women of child-bearing age and the infants. According to the WHO, the global prevalence of anemia in the word is 24.8% and estimate to 1620 million people (de Benoist et al. 2008). In anemia there is decreased level of circulating hemoglobin, less than 13 g/dl in male and 12 g/dl in females (Okochi et al. 2003). In the tropics, due to endemicity of malaria, between 10 to 20% of the population presents less than 10 g/dl of Hemoglobin (Diallo et al. 2008). Iron deficiency anemia is common in poor countries because most of the people are suffering from malnutrition. It occurs when the body does not have enough iron, leading to the decreased production of red blood cells because iron is key factor for hemoglobin synthesis (Al-Zabedi et al. 2014). In women, at their reproductive age anemia occurs due to menorrhagia and in pregnancy, it is due to excess need of iron (Ramesh et al, 2010; Rajarathinam et al, 2013). Iron supplementation is mainly used for the anemia management (Sembulingam et al, 2007). In our regions, traditional medicines have several plants to manage anemia. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) is a species of hibiscus which grows in world tropics. The plant can be found in almost all warm countries of Africa, America and Asia (Mat et al. 1985; Rao, 1996; Abu-Tarboush et al. 1997; Cheworin et al. 1999). In these regions, the seeds are used for nutrition, whereas other parts are used for its medicinal properties (Da-Costa-Rocha et al. 2014). It treats hypertension and hyperlipidemia (Hopkins et al, 2013) and the seeds are also used as antianemic in Soudan (Ahmed et al. 2013). In Benin, calyx based drinks of the plant are administered in traditional medicine to treat anemia. The aim of present study was to test the aqueous extract of the plant calyces on anemic Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS