title: Bio-content of Telferia occidentalis and their effect on methemoglobin formation in sickled erythrocytes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To perform phytochemical and mineral analyses on leaves, stem and seeds of Telferia occidentalis (T. occidentalis), and examine the inhibition of methemoglobin build-up in sickled erythrocytes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The phytochemical evaluation was carried out by qualitative and quantitative analyses, whereas mineral elements were quantitatively analyzed. The effect of T. occidentalis on methemoglobin formation in sickled erythrocytes was examined using the ratio of ferric ion (Fe(2+)) to ferrous ion (Fe(3+)) concentration, as index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of total phenolics, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and alkaloids. Mineral analysis revealed potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and zinc. Extract concentrations (0.2%-0.8% w/v) of leaves, seeds and stem of T. occidentalis have shown the ability to inhibit the formation of methemoglobin in sickled erythrocytes. The methanolic leaves extract showed the highest effect at 0.8% w/v.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that T. occidentalis has the capacity to mop-up methemoglobin in sickled erythrocytes, and may therefore enhance oxygen-hemoglobin binding and transport in sickle cell disease patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria. Electronic address: atabosam@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Atabo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria.
authors.forename: James Dorcas
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Bolanle
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Mamman
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aisha
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Umar Ismaila
authors.initials: UI
authors.lastname: Alhaji
keywords: Bioactive; Methaemoglobin; Sickled erythrocytes; Telferia occidentalis