Anemia is a condition in which the blood's ability to carry oxygen is reduced due to decreased production of red blood cells or hemoglobin, causing fatigue and weakness. This study aimed to investigate the use of freeze-dried lemon peel and pulp powder as an adjunctive treatment for anemia. Twenty female white mice, each weighing 140 ± 10 g, were used in this study and divided into four groups of five mice each. Group 1 (negative control) received only the basal diet. Group 2 (positive control) received the basal diet supplemented with tannic acid to maintain anemia. Group 3 consisted of anemic mice fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5% freeze-dried lemon pulp powder. Group 4 consisted of anemic mice fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5% freeze-dried lemon peel powder. The mice were treated with freeze-dried lemon peel and pulp for two months. The results showed that anemic mice treated with freeze-dried lemon peel and pulp experienced improved body weight. Cholesterol levels in the positive control group were 197.67 ± 2.52, while in groups 3 and 4, they were 192.33 ± 1.53 and 187.67 ± 2.52, respectively. Triglycerides in the positive control group were 76.67 ± 1.53, while they decreased to 82.33 ± 1.53 and 181.33 ± 1.53 in groups 3 and 4, respectively. Hemoglobin levels in the positive control group decreased to 7.23 ± 0.40, while they increased to 12.77 ± 0.55 and 14.07 ± 0.23 in groups 3 and 4, respectively. Iron levels also decreased, from 39.00 ± 1.00 in the positive control group while they increased to 47.00 ± 2.00 and 50.33 ± 2.52 in groups 3 and 4 respectively. The best results were achieved using 2.5% freeze-dried lemon peel compared to 2.5% freeze-dried lemon pulp. |
