Hematopoiesis is a fundamental biological process responsible for the production of blood cells, and disruptions in this process often lead to anemia and related hematological disorders. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken, a medicinal plant belonging to the family of Crassulaceae is widely used in ethnomedicine, and has been reported to possess diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects. This study evaluated the hematopoietic activity of ethanol extract of B. pinnatum on albino rats induced with acetic acid. Thirty (30) rats were randomly assigned into five groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (Cimetidine, 20 mg/kg), and two treatment groups (100 and 200 mg/kg) of B. pinnatum ethanol extract. The rats were administered with plant extract and Cimetidine for seven days after which all the animals except those in normal control group were induced with acetic acid (1 ml). Twenty-four hours later, they were sacrificed and blood of each animal was collected for hematology analysis. Hematological parameters including packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and differential leukocyte counts were determined following extract administration using an automated hematology analyzer. Acetic acid exposure significantly altered hematological parameters, elevating WBC (8.30 ± 0.25 × 10⁹/L) and reducing RBC (6.87 ± 0.18 × 10¹²/L), Hb (14.20 ± 0.21 g/dL), and PCV (43.0 ± 0.9 %) as shown in negative control group. Administration of B. pinnatum extract, particularly at 100 mg/kg, restored these parameters towards normal values, showing Hb (14.00 ± 0.20 g/dL), RBC (8.19 ± 0.21 × 10¹²/L), and PCV (41.0 ± 0.8 %) comparable to the normal control (14.10 ± 0.18 g/dL, 7.95 ± 0.19× 10¹²/L, 42.0 ± 0.8 % respectively). The 100 mg/kg dose also normalized leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, while 200 mg/kg produced moderate but less pronounced improvement. Ethanol extract of B. pinnatum leaves exhibits hematopoietic potential by restoring erythrocyte indices and modulating leukocyte balance in ulcerogenic rats. These findings support its traditional use in promoting blood recovery and suggest a therapeutic role in managing anemia associated with ulcerative and inflammatory conditions.
Olufunke Christy Akanji (Wed,) studied this question.