EFFECT OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF JUSTICIA CARNEA ON GEOPHAGY-INDUCED IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN WISTAR RATS.
Main Article Content
Abstract
Iron is an important mineral for many physiological processes especially erythropoiesis and hematopoiesis. Its deficiency can have detrimental effects, thus, iron deficiency anemia. This research was carried out to determine the effect of aqueous extract of J. carnea on geophagy induced iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in Wistar rats. The animals were divided into six groups consisting of two control groups (Normal and untreated) and 4 treatment groups. Iron deficiency anaemia was induced in the treatment groups by feeding them with 30% edible clay for 49 days. The extracts and standard drug (Chemiron) were then orally administered to the various groups after confirmation of IDA for 28 days. The animals were sacrificed by anaesthetizing with chloroform and their blood samples drawn via cardiac puncture. Hematological indices were assayed using auto hematology analyzer. The results obtained showed that in the extract treatment groups, there was a dose dependent decrease in serum TIBC level (987.02±333.06, 1268.99±329.45, 1216.61±42.95 for 200,400,600mg/kg respectively) and increase in MCV (52.73±0.78, 53.80±0.67, 53.55±2.25 for 200,400,600mg/kg respectively). There were slight increases in red blood cell count (RBC), from 6.53±0.43 to 7.45±0.54 in the group treated with 200mg/kg of Justicia carnea extract; packed cell volume (PCV) from 35.67±0.88 to 39.23±2.54 in the group treated with 200mg/kg of J. carnea extract and hemoglobin count (Hb) from 11.57±0.22 to 12.77±0.67 in the group treated with 200mg/kg of J.carnea extract in the treatment and standard drug groups when compared to the control. These differences were significant (p<0.05). These findings suggest that aqueous extract of Justicia carnea could be a potential candidate for the management of iron deficiency anemia. Further research should be carried out with novel techniques to isolate and purify the component(s) of this raw extract that has the potential to increase systemic iron transport and storage.
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Ezeilo, K. C., Udedi, S. C., Asogwa, K. K., & Onyewuchi, K. C. (2025). EFFECT OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF JUSTICIA CARNEA ON GEOPHAGY-INDUCED IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN WISTAR RATS. The Bioscientist Journal, 13(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.54117/the_bioscientist.v13i1.181
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References
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Al-Rmalli, C.W., Jenkins, R.O., Watts, M.J., and Harris, P.I. (2010). Risk of human exposure to arsenic and other toxic elements from geophagy: trace element analysis of baked clay using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Environmental Health, 9:79-89.
Asogwa, K.K., Udedi, S.C., Ani O.N. and Ekwualor, K. U. (2020). Evaluation of micronutrient composition and antioxidant effects of the extracts of the leaf of Justicia carnea. Sky Journal of Biochemistry Research, 7(2): 021 – 031
Asogwa, K.K., Udedi, S.C., Igwilo, I.O. and Onyewuchi, K.C. (2024). Formulation of Nutraceutical from the Leaf Extracts of Justicia carnea, Ficus capensis and Mucuna pruriens for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 33(6): 513-521
Balarajan, Y., Ramakrishnan, U., Özaltin, E., Shankar, A.H. and Subramanian, S.V. (2011).Anemia in Low-income and Middle-Income Countries. Lancet, 378: 2123–2135.
Besarab, A. and Hemmerich, S. (2018). Iron deficiency anemia. Management of Anemia.
Coralia, C., Ciceu, A., Sasu, A. and Hermenean, A. (2021). Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22: 1883-1918.
Corbett, R.W., Ryan, C., Welnrich, S.R. (2003). Pica in pregnancy: Does it affect pregnancy outcomes. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 28: 183-191.
Corrêa, G.M. and Alcântara, A.F.D. (2012). Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Species of Justicia - a review.Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, 22(1):220-238.
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Dina,O.A., Adedapo,A.A., Oyinloye, O.P. and Saba, A.B. (2006). Effect ofTelfairiaoccidentalis extract on experimentally induced anemia in domestic rabbits. African Journal of Biomedical Resources, 3:181-183.
Faiza, R., Waqas, K.K., Adeel, M. and Muhammad, G. (2013). Detectionof bioactive fractions of Justiciaadhatoda leaves.Canadian Journal of Applied Sciences, 1: 388-398.
2 Faruqi, A., Zubair, M., Kumar, S. and Mukkamalla, R. (2024). Iron-Binding Capacity In: StatPearls (Internet). Statpearls Publishing: 2024 Jan-.PMID: 32644545
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Hallberg, L., Rossander-Hulthén, L., Brune, M. and Gleerup, A. (1992). Inhibition of heme-iron absorption in man by calcium. British Journal of Nutrition, 69:533–540.
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Horvath, J.D.C., de Castro, M.L.D., Kops, N., Malinoski, N.K. and Friedman, R. (2014). Obesity coexists with malnutrition? Adequacyof food consumption by severely obese patients to dietary referenceintake recommendations. Nutricion Hositalaria, 29(2):292–299.
Hunter, K.J. and Fletcher, J.M. (2002). The antioxidant activity andcomposition of fresh, frozen, jarred and canned vegetable.Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies,3: 399-406.
Kitadi, J.M., Lengbiye, E.M., Gbolo, B.Z., Inkoto, C.L., Muanyishay, C.L., Lufuluabo, G.L.,Tshibangu, D.S.T., Tshilanda, D.D., Mbala, B.M.,Ngbolua, K. and Mpiana, P.T. (2019).Justicia secundaVahl species : Phytochemistry,Pharmacology and Future Directions: A mini-re-view. Discovery Phytomedicine, 6(4):157-171.
Kumar, S., Anukiruthika, T., Dutta, S., Kashyap, A.V., Moses, J.A. and Anandharamakrishnan, C. (2020). Iron deficiency anemia: A Comprehensive Review on Iron Absorption, Bioavailability and Emerging Food Fortification Approaches. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 99: 58–75.
Lopez, L.B., Langini, S.H., Pita de Portela, M.L. (2007). Maternal iron status and neonatal outcomes in women with pica during pregnancy. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 98: 151-152.
McCann, J.C. and Ames, B.N. (2007). An Overview of Evidence for a causal Relation Between Iron Deficiency During Development and Deficits in Cognitive or Behavioral Function. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85: 931–945.
McLean, E., Cogswell, M., Egli, I., Wojdyla, D. and de Benoist, B. (2009). World-wide Prevalence of Anemia; WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, 1993–2005. Public Health and Nutrition, 12: 444–454.
Nagababu, E., Gulyani, S., Earley, C.J., Cutler, R.G., Mattson, M.P. and Rifkind, J.M. (2008). Iron deficiency Anemia Enhances Red Blood Cell Oxidative Stress. Free radical resource, 42(9): 824-829
Njiru, H., Elchalal, U., Paltiel, O. (2011). Geophagy during pregnancy in Africa. A literature review. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey, 66: 452-459.
Ogah, S.P.I. and Ikelle, I.I. (2015). The determination of the amount of some heavy metals in edible clay of Enyigba village in Abakaliki Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Der Pharma Chemica, 7(11): 264-267.
Oladele, A.T. and Elem, J.A. (2018). Medicinal PlantsUsed to Treat Sexual Diseases byOgba/Egbema/Ndoni Ethnics of RiversState, Nigeria. World News of NaturalSciences (WNOFNS), 1716-1738.
Orjiakor, C.A., Uroko, R.I., Njoku, O.U. and Ezeanyika, L.U. (2019). Nutritive properties of aqueous extract of Justicea carnea leaves and its effects on hematological and some biochemical indices of anemia induced male wistar albino rats. Biomedical Research, 30(4): 645-654.
Parsaeimehr, A., Martinez-Chapa, S.O. and Parra-Saldívar, R. (2017). Medicinal Plants VersusSkin Disorders: A Survey From Ancient toModern Herbalism. The Microbiology of Skin, Soft Tissue, Bone and Joint Infections, 2:205-221.
Perez, E.M., Hendricks, M.K., Beard, J.L., Murray-Kolb, L.E., Berg, A. and Tomlinson, M. (2009). Mother-Infant Interactions and InfantDevelopment Are Altered by Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia.American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89:946–950.
Rahman, M.M., Abe, S.K., Rahman, M.S., Kanda, M., Narita, S., Bilano, V., Ota, E., Gilmour, S. and Shibuya, K. (2016). Maternal Anemia and Risk of Adverse Birth and Health Outcomes in Low- and Middle Income Countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal ofClinical Nutrition, 103: 495–504.
Rhodes, C.E. and Varacallo, M. (2020). Physiology, oxygen transport. In StatPearls; StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island, Florida, USA, 2020.
Thihalolipavan, S.,Candalla, B.M., Ehrlich, J. (2012). Examining pica in New York pregnant women with elevated blood lead levels. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 111: 22302239.
Udedi, S.C., Ani, O.N., Asogwa, K.K., Maduji, F.C. and Okafor, C.N. (2020). In-vitro and In-vivo Antioxidant Activity of Ethanol Leaf Extractof Justicia carnea. International Journal ofBiochemistry Research & Review, 29(4):48-60.
Uroko, R.I., Egba,S.I., Achi,N.K., Uchenna,O.N., Agbafor, A., Ngwu,O.R., Nweje-Anyalowu,.P.C. andOgbonna,C.E. (2017). Researcharticle effects of aqueous extracts of palm fruits (Elaeisguineensis) on liver function indices of male Wistar albinorats. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 11: 148-159.
World Health Organization (W.H.O.) (2011). Haemoglobin Concentrations for the Diagnosis of Anaemia and Assessment of Severity.
Zwain, B. A. (2020) .Biological Effect of some Herbs in Improvement of Anemia in Rats. Bulletin of the National Nutrition Institute of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 55:133 -154
Akintimehin, E.S., Karigidi, K.O., Omogunwa, T.S. and Adetuyi, F.O. (2021). Safety Assessment of Oral Administration of Ethanol Extract of Justiciacarnea leaf in Healthy Wistar Rats:Hematology, Antioxidative and Histologystudies. Clinical Phytoscience, 7:2-10.
Al-Rmalli, C.W., Jenkins, R.O., Watts, M.J., and Harris, P.I. (2010). Risk of human exposure to arsenic and other toxic elements from geophagy: trace element analysis of baked clay using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Environmental Health, 9:79-89.
Asogwa, K.K., Udedi, S.C., Ani O.N. and Ekwualor, K. U. (2020). Evaluation of micronutrient composition and antioxidant effects of the extracts of the leaf of Justicia carnea. Sky Journal of Biochemistry Research, 7(2): 021 – 031
Asogwa, K.K., Udedi, S.C., Igwilo, I.O. and Onyewuchi, K.C. (2024). Formulation of Nutraceutical from the Leaf Extracts of Justicia carnea, Ficus capensis and Mucuna pruriens for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia. International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review, 33(6): 513-521
Balarajan, Y., Ramakrishnan, U., Özaltin, E., Shankar, A.H. and Subramanian, S.V. (2011).Anemia in Low-income and Middle-Income Countries. Lancet, 378: 2123–2135.
Besarab, A. and Hemmerich, S. (2018). Iron deficiency anemia. Management of Anemia.
Coralia, C., Ciceu, A., Sasu, A. and Hermenean, A. (2021). Natural Antioxidants in Anemia Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22: 1883-1918.
Corbett, R.W., Ryan, C., Welnrich, S.R. (2003). Pica in pregnancy: Does it affect pregnancy outcomes. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 28: 183-191.
Corrêa, G.M. and Alcântara, A.F.D. (2012). Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Species of Justicia - a review.Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, 22(1):220-238.
Correa,G.M. (2012). Chemical constituents and biologicalactivities of species of Justicia: A review. Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy, 22: 220-238.
Dina,O.A., Adedapo,A.A., Oyinloye, O.P. and Saba, A.B. (2006). Effect ofTelfairiaoccidentalis extract on experimentally induced anemia in domestic rabbits. African Journal of Biomedical Resources, 3:181-183.
Faiza, R., Waqas, K.K., Adeel, M. and Muhammad, G. (2013). Detectionof bioactive fractions of Justiciaadhatoda leaves.Canadian Journal of Applied Sciences, 1: 388-398.
2 Faruqi, A., Zubair, M., Kumar, S. and Mukkamalla, R. (2024). Iron-Binding Capacity In: StatPearls (Internet). Statpearls Publishing: 2024 Jan-.PMID: 32644545
Figueiredo, A.C.M.G., Gomes-Filho, I.S., Silva, R.B., Pereira, P.P.S., Mata, F.A.F.D., Lyrio, A.O., Souza, E.S., Cruz, S.S. and Pereira,M.G. (2018). Maternal anemia and low birth weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 10: 601.
Geissler, P.W., Mwaniki, D.L., Thiong’o, F., Michaelsen, K.F. and Friis, H. (2002). Geophagy, Iron Status and anaemia among primary school children in Western Kenya. Tropical medicine and International Health, 3(7): 529-534
Haider, B.A., Olofin, I., Wang, M., Spiegelman, D., Ezzati, M. and Fawzi, W.W. (2013). Anemia, Prenatal Iron Use, and Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. BMJ, 346: 3443.
Hallberg, L., Rossander-Hulthén, L., Brune, M. and Gleerup, A. (1992). Inhibition of heme-iron absorption in man by calcium. British Journal of Nutrition, 69:533–540.
Hillman, R.S., Adult, K.A., Leporrier, M. and Rinder, H.M. (2001). Clinical approach to anemia. In Hematology in Clinical Practice; Hillman, R.S.,Ault, K.A., Eds.; McGraw-Hill: New York, NY, USA, 2001; p. 29.
Horvath, J.D.C., de Castro, M.L.D., Kops, N., Malinoski, N.K. and Friedman, R. (2014). Obesity coexists with malnutrition? Adequacyof food consumption by severely obese patients to dietary referenceintake recommendations. Nutricion Hositalaria, 29(2):292–299.
Hunter, K.J. and Fletcher, J.M. (2002). The antioxidant activity andcomposition of fresh, frozen, jarred and canned vegetable.Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies,3: 399-406.
Kitadi, J.M., Lengbiye, E.M., Gbolo, B.Z., Inkoto, C.L., Muanyishay, C.L., Lufuluabo, G.L.,Tshibangu, D.S.T., Tshilanda, D.D., Mbala, B.M.,Ngbolua, K. and Mpiana, P.T. (2019).Justicia secundaVahl species : Phytochemistry,Pharmacology and Future Directions: A mini-re-view. Discovery Phytomedicine, 6(4):157-171.
Kumar, S., Anukiruthika, T., Dutta, S., Kashyap, A.V., Moses, J.A. and Anandharamakrishnan, C. (2020). Iron deficiency anemia: A Comprehensive Review on Iron Absorption, Bioavailability and Emerging Food Fortification Approaches. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 99: 58–75.
Lopez, L.B., Langini, S.H., Pita de Portela, M.L. (2007). Maternal iron status and neonatal outcomes in women with pica during pregnancy. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 98: 151-152.
McCann, J.C. and Ames, B.N. (2007). An Overview of Evidence for a causal Relation Between Iron Deficiency During Development and Deficits in Cognitive or Behavioral Function. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85: 931–945.
McLean, E., Cogswell, M., Egli, I., Wojdyla, D. and de Benoist, B. (2009). World-wide Prevalence of Anemia; WHO Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System, 1993–2005. Public Health and Nutrition, 12: 444–454.
Nagababu, E., Gulyani, S., Earley, C.J., Cutler, R.G., Mattson, M.P. and Rifkind, J.M. (2008). Iron deficiency Anemia Enhances Red Blood Cell Oxidative Stress. Free radical resource, 42(9): 824-829
Njiru, H., Elchalal, U., Paltiel, O. (2011). Geophagy during pregnancy in Africa. A literature review. Obstetrical and Gynecological Survey, 66: 452-459.
Ogah, S.P.I. and Ikelle, I.I. (2015). The determination of the amount of some heavy metals in edible clay of Enyigba village in Abakaliki Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Der Pharma Chemica, 7(11): 264-267.
Oladele, A.T. and Elem, J.A. (2018). Medicinal PlantsUsed to Treat Sexual Diseases byOgba/Egbema/Ndoni Ethnics of RiversState, Nigeria. World News of NaturalSciences (WNOFNS), 1716-1738.
Orjiakor, C.A., Uroko, R.I., Njoku, O.U. and Ezeanyika, L.U. (2019). Nutritive properties of aqueous extract of Justicea carnea leaves and its effects on hematological and some biochemical indices of anemia induced male wistar albino rats. Biomedical Research, 30(4): 645-654.
Parsaeimehr, A., Martinez-Chapa, S.O. and Parra-Saldívar, R. (2017). Medicinal Plants VersusSkin Disorders: A Survey From Ancient toModern Herbalism. The Microbiology of Skin, Soft Tissue, Bone and Joint Infections, 2:205-221.
Perez, E.M., Hendricks, M.K., Beard, J.L., Murray-Kolb, L.E., Berg, A. and Tomlinson, M. (2009). Mother-Infant Interactions and InfantDevelopment Are Altered by Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia.American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 89:946–950.
Rahman, M.M., Abe, S.K., Rahman, M.S., Kanda, M., Narita, S., Bilano, V., Ota, E., Gilmour, S. and Shibuya, K. (2016). Maternal Anemia and Risk of Adverse Birth and Health Outcomes in Low- and Middle Income Countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal ofClinical Nutrition, 103: 495–504.
Rhodes, C.E. and Varacallo, M. (2020). Physiology, oxygen transport. In StatPearls; StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island, Florida, USA, 2020.
Thihalolipavan, S.,Candalla, B.M., Ehrlich, J. (2012). Examining pica in New York pregnant women with elevated blood lead levels. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 111: 22302239.
Udedi, S.C., Ani, O.N., Asogwa, K.K., Maduji, F.C. and Okafor, C.N. (2020). In-vitro and In-vivo Antioxidant Activity of Ethanol Leaf Extractof Justicia carnea. International Journal ofBiochemistry Research & Review, 29(4):48-60.
Uroko, R.I., Egba,S.I., Achi,N.K., Uchenna,O.N., Agbafor, A., Ngwu,O.R., Nweje-Anyalowu,.P.C. andOgbonna,C.E. (2017). Researcharticle effects of aqueous extracts of palm fruits (Elaeisguineensis) on liver function indices of male Wistar albinorats. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 11: 148-159.
World Health Organization (W.H.O.) (2011). Haemoglobin Concentrations for the Diagnosis of Anaemia and Assessment of Severity.
Zwain, B. A. (2020) .Biological Effect of some Herbs in Improvement of Anemia in Rats. Bulletin of the National Nutrition Institute of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 55:133 -154