Abstract

Anaemia affects nearly 1.74 billion people globally, with increased risk of mortality and severe morbidity in developing countries. Medicinal plants have the potential as alternative sources of therapeutic compounds for the management of anaemia, because they are accessible, affordable, and without side effects. Hibiscus acetosella is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally to manage several ailments, including fever and even anaemia. However, scientific support for its efficacy remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and anti-anaemic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of H. acetosella in 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH)-induced anaemia in Wistar rats. In silico molecular docking analysis was performed to support the findings. Bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extracts were evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for chemical profiling. Rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 3), and anaemia was induced through oral administration of 2,4-DNPH (40 mg/kg b.w) for 7 days, except the control group. Thereafter, the ethanolic extract was administered orally (100, 200, 400 mg/kg b.w) for 28 days. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of phytol, beta-amyrone, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, and squalene. Ethanolic extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased red blood cell (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), and haemoglobin (HGB) in treatment groups following 28 days of exposure compared to the control group. The beta-amyrone exhibited lower binding energy values of -7.6 kcal/mol to -11.3 kcal/mol. The results point to the presence of anti-anaemic properties of H. acetosella.

Key words: Anaemia, Bioactive compounds, Haemolytic anaemia, Hibiscus acetosella, Leaf extract