Preclinical Evaluation of the Haematinic Activity of an Oral Indiffusible Mixture of Tamarindus indica L. Leaf Extract

Objectives: Tamarindus indica L. is known to be a multipurpose traditional plant in India. It is used to treat some bacterial infections, parasitic infestations, constipation, and inflammation. It is also used as a blood tonic and for wound healing. This study was designed to substantiate the traditional claim of haematinic activity for T. indica.

Materials and methods: T. indica leaf extract was formulated into an oral indiffusible mixture (TIM) and evaluated for its haematinic activity in phenylhydrazine (single dose of 10 mg/kg per oral for 8 days) induced anaemia. Wistar rats were grouped into six (n=6). Groups I and II served as normal control and disease control groups, respectively. Group III received the standard drug (haematinic suspension 2 mL/kg). Groups IV, V, and VI received the formulated oral indiffusible mixture of T. indica at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively.

Results: The TIM was formulated and pharmaceutically optimized. It produced significant increases in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume and a decrease in mean corpuscular volume.

Conclusion: The results showed that the treatment with TIM reversed phenylhydrazine induced anemia. However, the short duration of the present study is regarded as a limitation, and therefore a longer duration is required for obtaining better responses.

Keywords: Tamarindus indica; haematinic activity; phenylhydrazine.