Haematoprotective and red blood cell membrane stabilizing effects of Justicia carnae leaf extracts in sodium nitrate-treated rats

Objectives Traditionally, Justicia carnae is used in treatment of anaemia. In this study, the haematoprotective effects of ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of J. carnae were evaluated in sodium nitrate-treated male rats. Methods Acute toxicity values, phytochemical, vitamin B12, vitamin C and iron contents of the extracts were analytically determined. Seventy (70) adult rats divided into seven groups of 10 rats each were assigned specific treatments. Group I served as the normal control, while group II was treated with the induction agent (sodium nitrate (NaNO3), 300 mg/kg body weight) only. Group III was pretreated with fesolate before NaNO3 induction, while groups IV to VII received leaf extracts in addition to induction. The daily oral treatments lasted for 28 days and at the end, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for haematological studies. Results Results obtained revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenes, saponins, alkaloids, vitamins C, B12 and iron in both extracts. The LD50 value for each extract was >5,000 mg/kg body weight. There were increased significant co-administration effects (p < 0.05) in red blood cell, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cells and platelet counts in the extract and fesolate treated groups compared to negative control. Bleeding time values were not significantly altered in all test groups (p > 0.05), but the increased clotting time values were lowered to about normal values following treatment with the extracts. Conclusions The results showed that J. carnae extract has haematoprotective potential and may be a good candidate for haematopoiesis.

Keywords: Justicia carnae; haematoprotective; osmotic fragility; sodium nitrate.