Abstract

Qurs-e-Damavi (DM) is a polyherbal Unani formulation. It contains Rewand Chini (Rheum emodi), Zanjabeel (Zingiber officinale), Samagh-e-Arabi (Acacia arabica) and Hira Kasees (sulftes of Iron). It is used in conditions like anaemia. The aim of the current study was to validate the use of DM and its hydroethanolic extract (DME) in cyclophosphamide induced haemotoxicity in rats for the assessment of erythropoietic activity. DM was prepared as per classical methodology. Extract (DME) was obtained from crude formulation (DM) using extraction with ethanol and water (1:1; v/v). Haemotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide 3mg/kg bw in rats for seven consecutive days. Drug treatment was started from day-8 and continued till day-22. Blood samples were analysed on day-7 and day-22 using haematology analyser. Treatment with DM at 25 and 50mg/kg bw significantly reversed haemotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide and haematological parameters of treated groups were comparable to vehicle control except a significant decrease (p<0.01) in WBC count at DM 25mg/kg bw group. DME 10mg/kg treatment normalized Hb and PLT count, however, RBC, WBC and HCT values were still significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to vehicle control. DME 20mg/kg treatment restored all hematological parameters except a significant decrease (p<0.001) in WBC count was persisted on day-22. Treatment with DM at 25 and 50mg/kg bw restored the haematological parameters in rats induced by cyclophosphamide. DME effectively restored haematological parameters only at the dose of 20mg/kg bw. Observed effect may be exerted by synergistic effect of the phytoconstituents of DM ingredients such as Rheum emodi, Zingiber officinale, Acacia arabica and iron. Present findings validate the indication of this traditional Unani formulation in the management of iron deficiency conditions like anaemia.

Keywords: Unani; Erythropoiesis; Polyherbal formulation; Haemopoiesis; Cyclophosphamide; Myelosuppression

Abbreviations: DME: Hydroalcoholic Extract; CP: Cyclophosphamide; TED: Therapeutic Equivalent Dose; Hb: Haemoglobin, RBC: Red Blood Cell; WBC: White Blood Cell; HCT: Haematocrit; PLT: Platelet