Ficus vogelii aerial parts reversed phenylhydrazine anemia in rats.

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Aerial constituents of ficus vogelii reversed phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in albino wistar rats
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Igile G. O., Okoi U. L., Iwara I. A., Ekpe O. O., Mgbeje B. I. A. and Ebong P. E.


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Aerial constituents of ficus vogelii reversed phenylhydrazine-induced anemia in albino wistar rats

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201814-12888

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Anemia is a prevalent health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. This condition arises from a deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and energy, leading to decreased red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration. Traditional remedies exist, including the use of indigenous plants like Ficus vogelii, known locally for its anti-anemic properties. This study evaluates the potential of Ficus vogelii leaf extracts to reverse anemia in phenylhydrazine-induced anemic albino Wistar rats, providing scientific support for its folkloric medicinal claims.

Nutritional Composition and Properties of Ficus vogelii

The study analyzes the proximate, vitamin, and mineral composition of Ficus vogelii leaves, revealing a significant nutritional profile. The leaves contain high amounts of carbohydrates (43.44 mg/100g), proteins (17.67 mg/100g), and essential vitamins such as vitamin A (319.05 IU) and vitamin C (22.17 mg/100g). Additionally, crucial mineral elements like calcium (424.24 mg/100g) and iron (16.09 mg/100g) were identified, suggesting the plant’s role in augmenting nutritional intake and potentially aiding recovery from anemia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Hematological Improvement

The study evaluated the therapeutic impact of Ficus vogelii extracts on hematological indices in anemic rats. Experimental groups treated with various doses of the plant extracts demonstrated significant improvements in white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb) counts compared to the anemic control group. Specifically, the crude extract and different solvent fractions led to notable recovery in hematocrit (HCT) levels and other hematological parameters, reinforcing the plant's ethno-medical credibility as an anti-anemic agent.

Comparative Analysis with Multivitamins

In addition to the efficacy of Ficus vogelii, the study compared the effects of the plant extracts with a standard multivitamin treatment. Results indicated that while the multivitamin group showed substantial improvements in hematological measurements, Ficus vogelii extracts also provided comparable, significant benefits. These findings suggest Ficus vogelii may serve as a viable, cost-effective alternative or complement to conventional multivitamins for managing anemia, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to pharmaceuticals may be challenging.

Conclusion

This study provides compelling evidence supporting the use of Ficus vogelii leaves as a natural remedy for anemia, corroborating traditional knowledge with scientific data. The significant improvements in hematological parameters after treatment with Ficus vogelii extracts underscore the potential of indigenous plants to address nutritional deficiencies and reverse anemia. The results advocate for further exploration of Ficus vogelii not only as a dietary supplement but also for its contributions towards developing sustainable health solutions in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Ficus vogelii used for in traditional medicine?

Ficus vogelii is traditionally used to treat anemia, especially in children suffering from nutritional deficiencies like marasmus and kwashiorkor, by boosting hemoglobin levels and red blood cell count.

What nutrients are present in Ficus vogelii leaves?

The leaves contain significant amounts of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins (such as A, C, E, and B vitamins), and essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, which support overall health and combat anemia.

How was the efficacy of Ficus vogelii tested in the study?

The study involved administering aqueous extracts to phenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats, comparing their blood parameters to control groups to assess recovery and improvements in anemia-related symptoms.

What were the main findings regarding blood parameters?

Treatment with Ficus vogelii resulted in significant increases in red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and other hematological indices, indicating a successful reversal of anemia in the treated groups.

What are the implications of this study for communities?

The findings suggest that Ficus vogelii may serve as an affordable, effective alternative to expensive medications for treating anemia, particularly in underprivileged communities relying on plant-based diets.

Can Ficus vogelii be considered safe for consumption?

While the study supports its medicinal use, further research is needed to establish comprehensive safety profiles and dosages for human consumption, particularly for children and vulnerable populations.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ficus vogelii aerial parts reversed phenylhydrazine anemia in rats.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Mineral:
Minerals are vital inorganic substances that play essential roles in bodily functions. In the context of the study, minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium found in Ficus vogelii are crucial for addressing anemia, particularly in children, by contributing to hemoglobin production and overall health maintenance.

2) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that transports oxygen and nutrients while removing waste. The study focuses on improving blood parameters in anemic rats through the consumption of Ficus vogelii, emphasizing its potential to enhance red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, necessary for preventing anemia.

3) Animal:
The plural form of 'animal' indicates multiple subjects from the study. The use of animals, specifically Wistar rats, allows researchers to gather data on the physiological effects of Ficus vogelii extracts on hematological indices, helping to demonstrate the plant's potential anti-anemic properties.

4) Disease:
Disease represents a pathological condition that alters normal bodily functions. Anemia is described as a significant public health issue in the study, particularly affecting children. The research aims to explore how Ficus vogelii can mitigate anemia, which may be classified as a disease caused by nutritional deficiencies.

5) Table:
In academic writing, a 'table' organizes data for clarity and comparison. The study uses tables to present results of proximate composition, mineral and vitamin content, as well as hematological indices. These visual representations facilitate understanding of the nutritional profile and effects of Ficus vogelii.

6) Food:
Food is any substance consumed for nourishment. The study emphasizes the role of food, particularly plant-based diets, in preventing anemia. Ficus vogelii is highlighted as a beneficial food source that can improve nutrition and help combat malnutrition-related anemia, especially in vulnerable populations.

7) Diet:
Diet refers to the types and amounts of food consumed regularly. This research discusses dietary impacts on anemia, stressing that a well-balanced diet enriched with minerals and vitamins, such as those from Ficus vogelii, can effectively improve health outcomes and prevent anemia, particularly in children.

8) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' encapsulates the systematic investigation conducted to understand the effects of Ficus vogelii on anemia. This research forms the basis of the findings presented, including methods, results, and conclusions about the plant's nutritional benefits and its potential as a remedy for anemia.

9) Water:
Water is essential for all forms of life and is a significant component of biological samples. The study touches upon the preparation of the aqueous extract of Ficus vogelii, highlighting the method of using water to extract valuable nutrients from the plant for research on its medicinal properties.

10) Pur:
The term 'poor' highlights socioeconomic factors that contribute to malnutrition and related diseases. The study recognizes that impoverished populations in Sub-Saharan Africa may rely on Ficus vogelii due to its affordability and availability, making it critical for addressing health issues like anemia in these communities.

11) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants that have health-promoting properties. The study indicates that Ficus vogelii contains various phytochemicals that may help combat anemia by enhancing nutrient absorption and providing antioxidant effects, supporting the traditional use of the plant for medicinal purposes.

12) Science (Scientific):
The term 'scientific' emphasizes the systematic and methodical approach taken in the research. The study employs rigorous scientific methods to evaluate the effects of Ficus vogelii, underscoring the necessity of empirical evidence when assessing the efficacy of traditional medicinal practices.

13) Drug:
A 'drug' refers to a substance used for medical treatment. The study suggests that Ficus vogelii may serve as a natural alternative to expensive pharmaceutical drugs for treating anemia, particularly in developing regions, where access to conventional medication is limited or unaffordable.

14) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition, affecting individuals' health status. The study focuses on the relationship between malnutrition and anemia, particularly in children, advocating for the consumption of nutrient-dense plants like Ficus vogelii as a strategy to improve nutritional intake and overall health.

15) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The research explores the medicinal properties of Ficus vogelii in treating anemia, contributing to the body of knowledge that supports the use of natural remedies as effective alternatives to conventional medicines.

16) House:
In this context, 'house' may refer to the laboratory or facility where animal experiments and research analyses occur. The Department of Biochemistry's animal house at the University of Calabar is mentioned as a setting for acclimatizing and housing the Wistar rats used in the study.

17) Genu:
Assuming 'genu' refers to genus, it denotes a classification in biological taxonomy. Ficus vogelii belongs to the Ficus genus, which is significant for understanding its biological characteristics and similarities to other medicinal plants. This categorization underlines the importance of plant classification in ethnomedicine.

18) Line:
Line can refer to a lineage or a line of reasoning. In this study, the scientific line of inquiry utilizes experimental evidence to substantiate claims about Ficus vogelii's effectiveness in reversing anemia, showcasing a systematic approach to addressing public health issues through research.

19) Post:
Post indicates after or subsequently, often used in scientific discussions regarding outcomes after treatment or interventions. The study presents post-treatment results to compare the hematological indices of different groups, revealing the impacts of Ficus vogelii on anemic conditions after a specified duration.

20) Discussion:
The discussion section interprets and contextualizes the findings of the study, linking back to the initial hypotheses and literature. This part elaborates on the implications of the research outcomes, including the possible therapeutic uses of Ficus vogelii in managing anemia and enhancing public health.

21) Developing:
In this context, 'developing' refers to nations or regions experiencing growth or progress, often in economic or social terms. The study highlights the challenges of anemia and malnutrition in developing countries, stressing the need for accessible and effective treatments like Ficus vogelii to enhance health outcomes.

22) Education:
Education relates to the dissemination of knowledge about health and nutrition, which is crucial for addressing issues like anemia. The study points out the need for improved nutritional education to empower populations in recognizing and combating malnutrition, directly correlating with the demand for plants like Ficus vogelii.

23) Suffering:
Suffering refers to the distress or hardship experienced due to health conditions such as anemia. This study sheds light on the plight of children suffering from anemia due to malnutrition, driving home the significance of accessible healthcare and nutrition to improve their quality of life.

24) Pregnant:
Pregnant highlights a specific demographic that is particularly vulnerable to anemia due to increased nutritional demands. The study raises awareness of anemia's prevalence among pregnant women, illustrating the importance of addressing their nutritional needs through dietary interventions like Ficus vogelii to promote maternal and fetal health.

25) Quality:
Quality signifies the standard or level of something. In the context of this research, the quality of the diet significantly influences health outcomes, with the nutrient-rich Ficus vogelii being highlighted as a means to improve the overall quality of food intake for combating anemia.

26) Repair:
Repair indicates the restoration of health or bodily functions, particularly after damage or decline. The study references the potential of Ficus vogelii to aid in the repair of hematological parameters disturbed by anemia, thereby supporting recovery and improving overall health in affected individuals.

27) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their physiology, structure, and classification. This research acknowledges the botanical significance of Ficus vogelii, underpinning its use in traditional medicine and the need for further study of its properties and applications in health.

28) Fight:
Fight conveys the action of combating or opposing, often used in health contexts. The study discusses the fight against anemia within communities, emphasizing the role of Ficus vogelii as a natural remedy to combat nutritional deficiencies and enhance health for those at risk of anemia.

29) Sign:
Sign often refers to an indicator or symptom of a condition. In the scope of the study, signs related to anemia, such as low hemoglobin levels, are discussed. The research aims to provide evidence for the benefits of Ficus vogelii as a remedy to normalize these signs.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ficus vogelii aerial parts reversed phenylhydrazine anemia in rats.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Public Health Problem, Biochemical analysis, Normal control group, Phenylhydrazine-induced anemia, Red blood cell count, Proximate composition, Protein energy malnutrition, Mineral elements, Hematological indices, Macronutrients and micronutrients.

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