Haematinic Potential of Jussiaea repens L – A Search for Antianaemic Herb

Background: Anaemia is a common nutritional disorder. Different harmful synthetic drugs are used to combat it. So herbal remediation is in demand.

Aims: In this study a common medicinal herb Jussiaea repens (JR) was used. It is traditionally used to prevent diabetes, diuretics, fever, cough etc. But no report yet is available on anaemia prevention.

Methodology: 30 adult male albino rats were grouped as control (n=6), 2,4-DNPH induced anaemia (2 mg/100 gm body weight/day i.p.,n=18) and JR treatment (20 mg/100 gm body weight/day orally, n=6). After 7 days, 6 anaemic animals were killed, 6 kept as DNPH withdrawal and other 6 as JR supplement followed by 2,4-DNPH withdrawal. All animals were maintained till 21st day of treatment.

Results: Body growth rate was significantly (P<0.001) decreased in 2,4-DNPH induced anaemic group which was partially recovered in withdrawal and JR supplement. Liver weight was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in anaemic group than control but was significantly increased (P<0.01) in JR treatment. Spleen weight was significantly increased (P<0.05) in anaemic group but significantly decreased (P<0.05) in JR supplement and treatment. Significant decrease (P<0.05) in adrenal weight was found after 2,4-DNPH withdrawal, where other organs remain unchanged. The anaemic group showed insignificant reduction in total erythrocyte count and significant reduction (P<0.05) in haemoglobin concentration than control and were significantly recovered (P<0.05) after JR supplementation and treatment. PCV was significantly higher in withdrawal (P<0.05) and JR treatment (P<0.01) than anaemic group, where MCHC was significantly higher (P<0.01) only in JR treatment. But no remarkable change observed in MCH and total leukocyte count. Free haemoglobin in plasma showed significant rise (P<0.005) in anaemic group, but was significantly reduced alike MCV after 2,4-DNPH withdrawal, JR supplementation and treatment, which supported higher osmotic fragility of RBC in anaemic group. SEM observation of erythrocyte morphology also supported it.

Conclusion: So, crude ethanolic extract of JR can prevent anaemia and can be used further as potent antianaemic drug.