Pharmacological Evaluation of Selected Indian Medicinal Plants for Haematological Parameters Transferrin Levels and General Debility in Laboratory Animals

Abstract

Anemia is characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin level, and hematocrit percentage. This results in a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and leads to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Globally, it is highly prevalent, affecting 1.6 billion people. The significant physical exertion and rapid development of tissues and organs during adolescence increase the risk of nutrient deficiency anemia, so they need extra dietary enrichment. Low socioeconomic conditions, nutritional deficiencies, infections like helminthiasis, blood disorders, and chronic bleeding are some contributing factors to the development of anemia. Depending on pathogenesis and morphology, anemia can be classified into iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia. Oxidative stress also affects hematological and other biological anemia markers. It can impair the function of the hormones erythropoietin, transferrin, and iron-binding capacity. Synthetic antioxidants produce toxic effects on human health. Naturally occurring antioxidants derived from various sources are useful in mitigating oxidative stress-associated diseases. So, antioxidants derived from natural sources with bioactive compounds are utilized as complementary medicines for the prevention and cure of chronic diseases. Anemia impairs work productivity or difficulty concentrating, reduces exercise capacity by diminishing oxygen-carrying ability, and reduces physical performance. Currently available treatment for anemia causes various side effects, viz., abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, loss of appetite, and discoloration of stools. Recently, researchers are focusing their research on use of herbal or naturally occurring medicinal plants because of their health benefits. Traditionally used Indian medical plants, viz., Amaranthus blitum, Beta vulgaris (beetroot), and Spinacia oleracea (spinach), are rich in iron content but lacking in