Elemental compositions and anti-anemic property of Harungana madagascariensis stem bark

Abstract

The concentrations of 15 elements and heavy metals in the stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis were determined using an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The anti-anemic activity was done using the changes in hematological parameters (PCV, RBC and Hb) influenced by phenylhydrazine HCL (80 mg/kg) and malaria parasites-induced anemia. Results shows Cd, Ni, Mo, Cr and Br were in the range of 0.021-0.94 mg/g, while Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu and Hg were in the range of 1.50-7.24 mg/g. The elements with very high concentration were Ca, K, Sr, Mn, and Cl and were in the range of 10.5-774.3 mg/g. Remarkable anti-anemic activity was obtained with PCV of 40-48%, RBC count of 81 -155 x104 and Hb value of 57-66 g/dL after treatment compared with 30% PCV, 67 x104 RBC count and 36.5 g/dL Hb value obtained for the untreated control animals. Our results suggest that H. madascariensis stem bark extract constituents' exhibit anti-anemic activity.