Anti-anaemic potentials of aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench stem bark in rats

The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench stem bark at the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight on iron sufficient and iron deficient weaning rats were investigated. Weaning rats of 21 days old were maintained on iron sufficient and iron deficient diets for 6 weeks before the administration of the aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor stem bark at various doses for 7 days. Proximate analysis of the iron sufficient and iron deficient diets showed that they were similar except in the amount of iron. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids and saponins. Extract administration produced significant increase in haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood cells in iron sufficient and iron deficient groups (P < 0.05). There was also significant increase (P < 0.05) in the catalase activity of the rat liver and kidney without any significant change (P > 0.05) in the serum catalase activity. The results revealed that extract administration has restored the anaemic condition in the iron deficient group and thus lend credence to its use in folklore medicine in the management of anaemia.