Evaluation of the Effect of Sorghum bicolor Aqueous Extract on the Haematological, Renal and Hepatic Parameters in Rats Fed with Low and High Iron Diet

Aims: To determine the effect of Sorghum bicolor aqueous leaf sheath extract on the hematological, renal and hepatic parameters in rats fed with low and high iron diets.

Study Design: Phytochemical screening of leaf sheath of Sorghum bicolor and effect of the leaf extract on hematological, hepatic and renal indices of rats fed with iron deficient and iron sufficient diets.

Results: The result of the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and terpenoids. The evaluated hematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBC,MCV,MCH, MCHC) prior the administration of the leaf sheath extracts (control) in the iron sufficient fed rats revealed a higher value compared to the result obtained in iron deficient fed rats, with the exception of MCHC. Subsequently, the administration of the leaf sheath extracts at different concentration (200,400,800,1600mg/kg body weight of the sample) for both iron sufficient and iron deficient fed rats revealed increased values of the hematological parameters, with the highest values recorded upon the administration of 1600mg extract/kg, Similarly, the results of the evaluated liver biomarkers for the control (albumin, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and total protein) in the iron sufficient fed rats showed a higher value compared to the result obtained in iron deficient fed rats. The result of the liver biomarkers after administration of leaf sheath showed a slight elevation in both iron sufficient and iron deficient fed diet. Furthermore, the result revealed that aqueous sorghum leaf sheath extracts showed a slight increase in the renal function indices at varying concentration of the extracts.

Conclusion: The present study showed that administration of sorghum leaf sheath extract enhanced the hematological parameters in rats fed with iron deficient diet thereby supporting the claim that the leaf sheath extract could be used in alleviating anemic condition. The studies further established that the extract is non toxic to the liver and also that the integrity of the kidney is maintained after administration. This on the overall confirms the safety of the extract upon consumption.