Ameliorative Effects of Ethanolic Abelmoschus esculentus (Okro Leaf) Extract on Phenylhydrazine-Induced Haematological and Splenic Alterations in Wistar Rats
Background: Phenylhydrazine (PHZ) is a chemical agent commonly used to induce haemolytic anaemia and associated haematological disturbances in experimental animals. Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) contains bioactive constituents that may have protective effects against toxicant-induced alterations. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of A. esculentus (EEA) on selected physiological and haematological parameters following PHZ-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into five experimental groups: Group A served as the control, Group B received PHZ only, Group C received 100 mg/kg EEA, Group D received PHZ (40 mg/kg) plus 100 mg/kg EEA, and Group E received PHZ (40 mg/kg) plus 200 mg/kg EEA. Body weight, feed intake, relative spleen weight, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb), and packed cell volume (PCV) were assessed. Data were analysed using Student's t-test and analysis of variance followed by post hoc LSD multiple comparison, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: PHZ administration significantly reduced RBC count, Hb concentration, and PCV compared with the control group (p < 0.05). EEA administration significantly improved these parameters compared with the PHZ-only group. RBC, Hb, and PCV values increased to 6.31–6.78 × 10¹²/L, 13.43–15.47 g/dL, and 39.93–45.40%, respectively, across the EEA-treated groups. PHZ also significantly reduced feed intake during Weeks 1 and 2, whereas EEA administration significantly increased feed intake during these periods. Body weight increased across all groups, although the increase was not significant in the PHZ + 100 mg/kg EEA group. Relative spleen weight increased significantly in the higher-dose EEA group. Conclusion: Ethanolic A. esculentus leaf extract ameliorated PHZ-associated haematological alterations and improved feed intake in Wistar rats, suggesting potential protective activity against PHZ-induced toxicity.