Optimization of the iron content of Eremomastrax speciosa drink and evaluation of its antianemic potential

Iron deficiency anemia represents a significant public health challenge, leading many to seek herbal remedies from locally available plants. In Cameroon, E. speciosa leaves are commonly consumed to address this condition. This study aimed to optimize iron extraction from E. speciosa leaves and evaluate its effectiveness against iron deficiency anemia. The leaves were dried at 50 °C, ground, and sieved. An E. speciosa drink was produced by extracting the powdered leaves using a Central Composite Design, focusing on four factors: temperature, time, pH, and solid-to-liquid ratio (w/v). Various volumes (1, 2, or 4 mL/kg) of the extracted drink were administered to anemia-induced rats over a two-week period. The optimization results indicated that the ideal extraction conditions were: temperature of 20 °C, extraction time of 50 min, pH of 11, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 15 g/L. Administration of 1 mL/kg of the E. speciosa drink successfully restored red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels to normal after two weeks. In contrast, doses of 2 or 4 mL/kg alleviated anemia within just one week. Overall, the E. speciosa drink produced under these optimal extraction conditions is iron-rich and demonstrates significant potential as an effective treatment for iron deficiency anemia.