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The Role of Anthocliesta djalonensis in Mitigating Mercury Chloride-Induced Hematological Alterations
Joseph Raymond Enoghase1 , Silvanus Olu Innih2
1- University of Benin , joseph.enoghase@bmedsci.uniben.edu
2- University of Benin
Abstract:   (824 Views)
Background: Mercury chloride is a well-established toxicant known to induce hematological alterations, including oxidative hemolysis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Medicinal plants with antioxidant properties have been explored as potential protective agents against toxicant-induced damage. Anthocleista djalonensis, widely used in traditional medicine, has been reported to possess bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study aimed to investigate the role of Anthocleista djalonensis in mitigating mercury chloride-induced hematological alterations.
Methods: This experimental randomised controlled animal study was kind of weirdly done, with thirty-six adult Wistar rats, randomly assigned into six groups, (n=6 each). Group A was basically the control, Group B got only 2 mg/kg of mercury chloride , just that. Groups C and D were given mercury chloride alongside 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Anthocleista djalonensis extract, respectively , while Groups E and F received just A. djalonensis at doses 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The extract was freeze dried, and then the haematological parameters were checked using an automated haematology analyser. For the statistics, it was handled with one-way ANOVA, and the significance cut off was p < 0.05.
Results: Mercury chloride exposure significantly reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet levels, indicating hematotoxicity. Co-administration with A. djalonensis, particularly at 150 mg/kg, significantly improved these hematological indices, suggesting a protective effect. The plant extracts also enhanced mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, indicating potential erythropoietic support.
Keywords: Mercury chloride, Hematotoxicity, Anthocleista djalonensis, Antioxidant, Hematological parameters.
Full-Text [PDF 308 kb]   (236 Downloads)    
Research Article: Original Paper | Subject: Herbals
Received: 2025/03/4 | Accepted: 2026/06/6
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