Study on Anti-anaemic activity of Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott (Black Stem)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/ejac.v13i5.1173Keywords:
Anaemia, Hematinic activity, Iron supplementation, Medicinal plants. Xanthosoma sagittifolium.Abstract
Background: Anaemia is a common health problem in developing countries such as India, especially among women and children, caused by iron deficiency. Side effects of traditional iron supplements have induced interest in the alternatives based on plants with improved safety profiles.
Aim: To assess the anti-anaemic activity of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott (Black Stem), an indigenous medicinal plant found to be very common in Manipur, employing an in vivo rat model.
Methods: Plant petiole methanolic extracts were processed and orally given to phenylhydrazine-induced anaemic albino rats in doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for 14 days. Hematological parameters like Hb, RBC, HCT, MCH, MCV, MCHC, and WBC count were assessed and statistically compared with control and standard drug (Vitafer forte) groups.
Results: The extract brought noteworthy, dose-dependent increases in hemoglobin, RBC count, and other red cell indices. The 400 mg/kg group had hematological recovery equivalent to the positive control group. Moreover, WBC count normalized, which might indicate reduction in inflammation or oxidative stress.
Conclusion: X. sagittifolium shows encouraging anti-anaemic and hematinic activity, possibly because of the high content of iron and phytochemicals. It has potential as a natural, inexpensive, and safer alternative to synthetic iron preparations, of particular value in resource-poor environments. Isolation of active constituents and clinical efficacy need to be confirmed through further studies.
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