ABSTRACT
Aims: To ascertain the hematinic potential and bioactive compounds in Gossypium barbadense. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Department of Applied Science, College of Science and Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria between February, 2013 and July, 2014. Methodology: Forty eight (48) apparently healthy albino rats weighing (150-200g) were grouped in to seven groups of five rats each. Thirteen rats were used for the G. barbadense toxicity test. Hemolytic anemia was induced using Phenylhydrazine (10mg/kg bw). Different doses (100mg/ml, 200mg/ml, and 400mg/ml) of G. barbadense were administered with periodic evaluation of Haematological indices (Hemoglobin concentration, Packed Cell Volume, Red Blood Cells and reticulocyte count). Bioferon (0.23ml/kg b.w) was used as the standard drug. Synergistic Thin layer Chromatography and Column Chromatography were used to purify the plant extract. Gas Chromatography linked with Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used in the Characterization of purified fraction. Results: The level of Hb (g/dl) was found to increase in a dose dependent manner (100mg-12.17g/dl, 200mg-12.60g/dl and 400mg-12.87 g/dl), likewise RBC (4.31, 4.41 and 4.72) and PCV (43.35%, 43.49%, 43.65%). Characterization revealed the presence of 19 compounds. Conclusion: G. barbadense resulted in HB, RBC and PCV boost, owing to inherent bioactive component.