Hematopoietic and Hepatoprotective Activity of Basella alba Fruit Extract in Experimental Animal Model

Abstract

Basella alba fruit extract (BAFE) has been used in rural eastern India by the traditional practitioners to treat anemia during pregnancy. In the present study, hematopoietic and hepatoprotective activity of BAFE was established in animal model. Animal ethical permission was obtained before experiments. Male Swiss albino rats were divided into: gr.1- sham control, gr.2- disease control (anemia or hepatotoxicity), gr.3- standard drug treated, gr.4- BAFE treated (low dose) and gr.5- BAFE treated (high dose). Anemia was induced in animals through blood loss at regular intervals and hematological, cytokine, antioxidant parameters and RBC morphology were done. Hepatotoxicity was induced in animals by CCl₄ (1 mL/kg/p.o.) and serum biochemistry, cytokine, antioxidant parameters and histology were done. There was a significant improvement of hematology (Hb, TC of RBC, TC of WBC, hematocrit, serum iron, TIBC), cytokine (IL 1β), antioxidant (SOD, catalase, LPO, GSH) and RBC morphology in BAFE treated animals when compared to group 2 animals. Significant improvement in biochemical (AST, ALT, γGT, ACP, ALP, total bilirubin), cytokine (IL 1β, IL 4, IL 12, IL 17, cathepsin K, TNF α), antioxidant (SOD, catalase, LPO, GSH) and liver histology were observed in BAFE treated animals when compared to group 2 animals. The present study confirmed the hematopoietic and hepatoprotective activity of BAFE in animal model and warrants further studies.