Protective effects of Helicteres isora L. fruit extract on phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats

Background Anemia is a serious global public health problem that affects young children and pregnant women with an increased risk of maternal and child mortality. Helicteres isora L. (Family: Malvaceae) has significant antioxidant properties responsible for its medicinal properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of aqueous fruit extract of Helicteres isora L. (AEHI) on phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats. Methods The fruits of Helicteres isora L. (H. isora L.) were extracted with distilled water to obtain the AEHI. The AEHI was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis, iron estimation and in-vitro antioxidant assay. The HPTLC fingerprinting followed by HR-LCMS analysis of the isolated HPTLC fraction of AEHI was carried out to investigate the phytoconstitutents. Male Wistar albino rats were administered phenylhydrazine (40mg/kg, i.p.) for two consecutive days to induce anemia. The effects of AEHI were investigated at three oral doses viz. 250, 500 and 750mg/kg once daily for 13 days by estimating blood parameters and pathological changes in the liver, heart, spleen, kidney, lungs and bone marrow. Results The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and steroids in the AEHI. The iron content of AEHI was found to be 208µg/ml. In-vitro antioxidant assays, the IC50 value of AEHI was found to be 90.01µg/ml. Phenylhydrazine administration caused a significant decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. These decreased levels were significantly improved by AEHI in a dose-dependent manner. Pathological changes in the liver, heart, spleen, kidney, lungs and bone marrow were prevented by AEHI treatment. Conclusion It is concluded that the AEHI provides significant protection against phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia.