Response of Trypanosoma brucei brucei–induced anaemia to a commercial herbal preparation

Abstract

Jubi Formula® is a herbal preparation made from three medicinal herbs (Parquetina nigrescens, 
Sorghum bicolor and Harungana madagascariensis). It has been reported to have been successfully 
used in the treatment of anaemia in humans. A study was therefore carried out to determine the effect 
of the preparation on packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in anaemic 
rabbits. The PCV and Hb concentrations of healthy rabbits infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei 
were monitored for 49 days. T. b. brucei produced a significant reduction in PCV and Hb 
concentrations in all infected rabbits when compared with the controls (p<0.05). These hematological 
parameters were restored to normal levels in the anaemic rabbits by the herbal preparation. The 
anaemic rabbits not treated with the herbal preparation presented with a progressive decline in their 
PCV and Hb concentrations and majority of them died before the end of the study. Healthy rabbits 
that received daily doses of the herbal preparation showed gradual elevation in PCV and Hb 
concentrations which were maintained within normal range. Jubi Formula® can restore the PCV and 
Hb concentrations in anaemic conditions and is a potential substitute for blood transfusion. However, 
further studies are needed to investigate the potentials of the herbal preparation in reversing 
anaemia.