PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTI -ANAEMIC STUDIES ON THE METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF SENNA SIAMEA LAM. (FABACEAE) GROWN IN ZARIA

Abstract

Aims: The current research work aims to establish the scientific data for the use of Senna siamea
in the treatment of anaemia.
Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Pharmacognosy and drug development,
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from January 2023 to March
2023. The methanol leaves extracts of S.siamea were obtained by cold maceration and processed for 48
hours. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and the anti-anaemic potentials of the extract
were carried out using standard procedures. The phenylhydrazine model for experimental
induction of anaemia in rats was employed. Antianaemic activity was assesed by measuring
haematological parameters of packed cell volume (PCV), haemeglobin count (Hb) ,red blood cell
count (RBC)and white blood cell count (WBC).
Results: Phytochemical evaluation of the methanol extract of S. siamea revealed the presence of
carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, steroids/triterpenes, anthraquinones, and
cardiac glycoside. The result of mineral composition in mg/kg confirms Sodium(60),
Potassium(5150), Iron(470), Cadmium(3.75), Lead(30.25), Cobalt(20.25), Copper(23.25),
Calcium(11926), Magnessium (528), Zinc(53.75) and phosphorous(4396.79).Phenylhydrazine
was capable of inducing anaemic conditions as there was a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the
Packed cell volume(PCV) , Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, White blood cell count (WBC) of
the entire induced (anaemic)group compared with normal control group. Groups treated with
methanol extract of S. siamea (200mg-600mg/kg) and the standard drug(ferrous sulfate) for two
weeks showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in haematological parameters when compared with
Phenylhydrazine induced anaemic non treated rats.
Conclusion: The study offers a scientific justification for the plant's conventional use in the
treatment of anaemia.