Investigating the Effects of Methanol Leaf Extract of Chasmanthera dependens on Liver and Blood in a Simulated Iron Overload Model

Natural iron-chelating agents from plants offer a promising alternative to synthetic chelators with potentially fewer side effects. Phytochemical analysis of the methanol leaf extract of Chasmanthera dependens (MLECD) confirms the presence of antioxidants known for their metal-chelating properties. This study investigated the effects of Chasmanthera dependens on the liver and blood in a simulated iron overload model. Twenty-five adult Wistar rats of both sexes with access to feed and water ad libitum were randomly assigned into five groups (A, B, C, D, & E) of five rats each. Group A was administered 1 ml of distilled water; B received 2 mg/kg of iron chloride (FeCl2); C received co-administration of 2 mg/kg FeCl2 and 200 mg/kg of MLECD; D received co-administration of 2 mg/kg FeCl2 and 400 mg/kg of MLECD and E received co-administration of 2 mg/kg FeCl2 and 800 mg/kg of MLECD daily for twenty-eight days. Initial and final weights of rats were taken before euthanization under chloroform anesthesia and subsequent tissue processing. One-way ANOVA statistical analysis was carried out, with significance set at P

Key Words: iron overload, Chasmanthera dependens, natural chelators, liver, blood