Protective Effects of Telfairia occidentalis and Carica papaya Leaf Extracts on Hematological and Lipid Alterations in Phenylhydrazine-Induced Anemia in Rats

Abstract

Anaemia is a major global health challenge and is commonly associated with oxidative stress, haemolysis and metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidaemia. Phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced haemolytic anaemia is a widely used experimental model characterised by erythrocyte destruction and altered lipid metabolism. This study investigated the combined haematoprotective and hypolipidaemic effects of Telfairia occidentalis and Carica papaya leaf extracts in PHZ-induced anaemic Wistar rats. Twenty male albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control, PHZ-induced untreated group (negative control), PHZ-induced group treated with the standard drug (Oreifer®) and PHZ-induced group treated with combined ethanolic leaf extracts (200 mg/kg). Anaemia and dyslipidaemia were induced by intraperitoneal administration of PHZ (40 mg/kg) for four consecutive days, followed by seven days of treatment. Haematological parameters and serum lipid profile were assessed. The negative control group (Group B) exhibited marked haematological disruption, with increased WBC count (13.12 ± 2.1) and reduced RBC (2.9 ± 0.82), HGB (131.42 ± 7.0) and PCV (26.14 ± 5.5). This was accompanied by reduced HDL-C and increased LDL-C, TC and TAG levels, confirming the induction of anaemia and dyslipidaemia. Treatment with the combined extracts improved RBC, HGB and PCV, restoring values towards normal and producing effects comparable to the standard drug group. The extracts also significantly increased HDL-C and reduced LDL-C levels (p < 0.05). However, reductions in TAG and TC were not statistically significant. WBC and platelet counts showed normalisation trends after treatment. Overall, the combined leaf extracts of Telfairia occidentalis and Carica papaya exhibited haematoprotective and selective hypolipidaemic effects in PHZ-induced anemia. These findings support their potential as complementary therapeutic agents in managing anemia and associated lipid abnormalities. Further studies are required to elucidate mechanisms, isolate active compounds, and establish safety for clinical use.