Nutritional properties of <i>Ugu</i> leaves extract and its effect on the hematological profile of anemia-induced adult Wistar rats

Anaemia is a global health concern, particularly in developing countries, where nutritional interventions are explored for management. Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu) is traditionally used for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, but its anti-anaemic potential requires scientific validation. This study investigated the nutrient composition of Telfairia occidentalis leaves extract and its effects on the haematological profile of anemia-induced adult Wistar rats. Nutrient analysis was conducted using standard analytical methods. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (170g–185g) were divided into six groups: A (standard drug—Cameron), B (untreated), and C–F (250mg, 500mg, 750mg, and 1000mg/kg body weight of Telfairia occidentalis extract, respectively). Anemia was induced using phenylhydrazine (40mg/kg). Treatment lasted 14 days. Haematological parameters were analyzed using standard methods, and data were subjected to ANOVA (p<0.05). Nutrient analysis revealed Telfairia occidentalis contained 14.36% moisture, 7.96% ash, 1.00% fat, 24.34% protein, 38.59% fibre, 13.75% carbohydrate, 1356.65µg beta-carotene, 24.76mg vitamin B9, 29.09mg vitamin C, 4.10mg iron, 1442.50mg calcium, and 864.50mg magnesium. Rats treated with the extract showed dose-dependent weight gain, with the highest increase (86.92%) in Group F (1000mg/kg). Haematological parameters, including red and white blood cell counts, significantly improved after treatment (p<0.05). Telfairia occidentalis extracts exhibits anti-anaemic properties and improves haematological parameters. Further research are needed to validate its therapeutic potential in clinical trials.