Evaluating the Effect of <i>Moringa concanensis</i> on Aluminium Chloride-Induced Anemia in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Anemia, a widespread global health challenge, can be induced through exposure to deleterious substances such as aluminum chloride. The present investigation explores the potential ameliorative effects of Moringa concanensis - a plant acknowledged for its myriad medicinal virtues-against anemia induced by aluminium chloride. The study objective was to scrutinize the impact of Moringa concanensis on aluminium chloride-induced anemia in Wistar rats. In the experimental design, thirty Wistar rats were randomly distributed into five distinct groups: a normal control group (untreated), a diseased control group (administered with aluminium chloride at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight), a standard group (treated with Ferrous ascorbate at 30 mg/kg body weight), and two groups receiving low and high doses of Moringa concanensis (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively). All groups, with the exception of the normal control, were exposed to aluminium chloride at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg body weight over a span of 14 days. Hematological indicators were evaluated following standard methodologies, serum ferritin levels were assessed through Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and vitamin B12 concentration was quantified using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, histopathological alterations were identified through Hematoxylin and Eosin staining procedures. Statistical data were interpreted through one-way ANOVA, succeeded by Tukey’s post hoc analysis, considering a p-value below 0.05 as statistically significant. Upon 21 days of continuous treatment with Moringa concanensis, both low and high-dose groups exhibited elevation in hematological parameters, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and vitamin B12 in comparison to the diseased control group. Noteworthy findings were observed in the high-dose group (400 mg/kg body weight), displaying significant improvement compared to the diseased control group (P<0.001). Remarkably, the high-dose regimen restored hematological parameters to baseline levels and mirrored the efficacy observed with the standard drug (Ferrous ascorbate). These empirical findings underscore the potential of Moringa concanensis as a promising therapeutic candidate for the alleviation of aluminium chloride-induced anemia. These results pave the way for future research endeavors to unravel the precise mechanisms driving these protective effects.