The Aqueous Extract of Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) Effectively

Abstract

Anaemia is a serious public health problem especially in developing countries as Benin. Cocos nucifera is one of medicinal plants used in Benin to treat anemia. This study aimed to test its therapeutic efficacy in anemia treatment. Method: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. The rats of four groups were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine (hemolysis) in the first two days D0 and D1. From the second to the fifteenth day (D2 to D15), anemic groups were gavaged either by the aqueous extract of Cocos nucifera at 200 or 300 mg / kg body weight/day, or by vitafer, a reference drug against anemia. The last anemic group was not treated. The group of non-anemic rats served as a control. Blood samples were collected for all rats on days D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to assess blood count and osmotic resistance of red blood cells. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanes, steroids, quinone derivatives, reducing compounds and mucilage. The extract like the vitafer corrected completely anemia before two weeks by stimulating hemoglobin synthesis, production and early release of immature red cells in the blood stream. Its effect was dose dependent, quite specific and did not affect platelet lineage. Conclusion: Cocos nucifera has a good therapeutic efficacy and may be considered for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) after study of its biological tolerance and appropriate clinical trials.