Studies on the Effect of Tephrosia linearis (Wild) Pers. Aqueous Extract on Jatropha curcas Oil Induced Hemorrhoids in Rats

Treatments of hemorrhoids by traditional medical practitioners using various plant species has been a long standing practice in various parts of Nigeria. This project work was carried out to ascertain and to evaluate the claim of traditional medical practitioners in the North-Eastern Nigeria on the effect of the plant species, Tephrosia linearis (Wild) Pers. in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Twenty Wister rats both male and female were used in this research work. A hemorrhoid model was prepared by the means of application of Jatropha oil into the rectum of rats. A cotton swab soaked with the inducer for 60 seconds was inserted into the anus of rats for 60 seconds. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1 (healthy rats), Group 2 (induced and untreated), Group 3 (induced and treated with standard, Daflon 10mg/kg b.w), Group 4 (induced and treated with aqueous extract of T. linearis 200mg/kg b.w) and Group 5 (induced and treated with aqueous extract of T. linearis 600mg/kg b.w). The results of the study observed were as follows; Group A; 1.52 + 0.29, Group B; 3.85 + 0.05, Group C; 1.95 + 0.48, Group D; 1.70 + 0.14 and Group E; 1.70 + 0.40. The results obtained indicated that the rectoanal tissues of the rats in Group C,D, and E increased when compared to the control, Group A. The rectoanal tissues of the rats in Group B however experienced significant increase. From the study, extract of T. linearis presented the strongest anti-hemorrhoid activity in rats than Daflon 500. The use of this plant as treatment for hemorrhoids by traditional medicine practitioners in North-East Nigeria is justified by this study.