Abstract

HAEMATINIC AND ANTI-ANEMIC EFFECTS OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF SARACA INDICA STEM BARK AGAINST PHENYL HYDRAZINE-INDUCED HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA IN RATS

F. W. Bansode*, K. R. Arya, A. K. Meena and R. K. Singh

Abstract

Saraca indica (Caesalpiniaceae) is one of the most renowned and a religious tree of India. This versatile plant shows anti-cancer, antimenorrhagic, anti-oxytocic, anti–microbial activity and has extended uses in Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy System of Medicine. Aims of the study were to evaluate the hematinic and anti-anemic effects of the methanol extract of Saraca indica stem bark (SI) against phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats. Adult male rats were divided into 5 groups (Gr.I-V) containing 6 rats each. Rats in Gr. I served as control. Gr. II rats were treated with SI (250mg/kg) extract for 14 days. Rats in Gr. III, IV and V were pre-treated with phenyl hydrazine (PHZ,10mg/kg for 7 consecutive days) so as to induce anemia, followed by 0, 250 and 500mg/kg doses of SI extract respectively up to 14 days. To investigate hematinic and anti-anemic profile of plant extract, blood samples were examined for various hematological parameters viz. Hgb, RBCs, WBC, MCV, MCHC, MCH, RDW, Platelet count, etc. Biochemical analysis of marker enzymes for general metabolic, liver and kidney function, and histological examination was done in control and treated-groups of rats. Antioxidant enzymes and level of lipid peroxidation was studied in blood samples from treated and control animals. Results showed that PHZ (10mg/kg) treatment for 7 consecutive days caused a significant increase in MDA activity but, declined SOD and Catalase activity in blood serum. Further, PHZ- treatment caused significant decrease in Hgb (%), RBC, MCV, but increased TLC count in Gr. III-V rats. There was significant increase in Hgb (%), RBC, MCV and TLC count in Gr. IV and V rats treated with SI extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses from day 8-14, as compared to PHZ-treated (Gr.III) rats. Rats treated with SI extract alone did not alter any haematological/ biochemical/histological aspects and organ weights as compared to controls. In conclusion, the results of the study clearly indicate antioxidant, hematinic and anti-anemic activity of the methanolic extract of SI stems bark. Findings provide scientific evidence for traditional use of SI extract as natural antioxidant and hematoprotective agent.

Keywords: Antioxidant, hematinic, anti-anemic activity, Saraca indica.