Studies on antianaemic potential of methanol extract of red creole onions (allium cepa) in phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia in rats

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Anaemia is a common blood disorder characterized by a decrease in red blood cells or haemoglobin levels, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Haemolytic anaemia is a specific type of anaemia where there is an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells. Phenylhydrazine is a well-known chemical agent that induces haemolytic anaemia in experimental animals by causing oxidative stress and membrane damage to red blood cells. This study aimed to investigate the potential antianaemic effects of the methanol extract of red creole onions (Allium cepa) in a phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia rat model. Red creole onions are known for their rich content of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups normal control, phenylhydrazine control, standard drug (silymarin) treated, and two groups treated with different doses of the methanol extract of red creole onions. Haemolytic anaemia was induced in the rats by intraperitoneal injection of phenylhydrazine for four consecutive days. The treatment groups received the methanol extract orally for 14 days. The results showed that phenylhydrazine administration led to a significant decrease in haemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and haematocrit, indicating the development of haemolytic anaemia. However, treatment with the methanol extract of red creole onions reversed these effects in a dose-dependent manner. The extract significantly increased haemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and haematocrit compared to the phenylhydrazine control group. Furthermore, the extract exhibited antioxidant activity by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues also showed a protective effect of the methanol extract against phenylhydrazine-induced damage. The findings of this study suggest that the methanol extract of red creole onions has potential antianaemic effects in phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia by modulating oxidative stress and preserving red blood cell integrity. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action.