Therapeutic efficacy of Punarnavadi mandura against phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats

Background & aim

Hemolytic anemia is a blood disorder whose incidence is increasing in the world in recent years especially after the pandemic. Conventional treatments include use of steroids and immunosuppresants that are accompanied by numerous adverse effects. With growing interest in using complex multi-component formulations for multi-targeted therapy, the present study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a traditional Ayurvedic herbomineral preparation, Punarnavadi Mandura, which has been traditionally used as a supplement in iron-deficiency anemia, against phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rodent models.

Experimental approaches

We employ a combination of in vivo and in silico methods in this work to study the therapeutic potential and to understand the possible molecular targets of this traditional formulation. Conventional drugs prednisolone and ferrous sulphate were used for comparison.

Results and conclusion

The in vivo studies confirm the ability of Punarnavadi Mandura to reverse pathological changes associated with hemolytic anemia at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg concentration. It restored hemoglobin, bilirubin and white blood cell levels to normal and reduced reticulocytes, hemosiderin and Gamna Gandy bodies in the liver, spleen and kidney. In silico studies suggested that the key constituents in Punarnavadi Mandura interact with high affinity to erythropoietic receptor which could contribute to erythropoiesis. The in silico study also predicted that the phytoconstituents of Punarnavadi Mandura could inhibit TNF-α activity which was validated using gene expression studies.