Investigation of the antianemic activity of phyllanthus reticulatus poir. In 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats

Growing concerns regarding the side effects of conventional drugs have heightened interest in medicinal plants as alternative therapeutic agents. Phyllanthus reticulatus, widely used in traditional medicine across Asia and Africa, is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential antianemic effects of P. reticulatus in anemic rats. Fresh leaves of P. reticulatus were collected, air-dried, powdered, and extracted using methanol. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis and assessed for antianemic activity in 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats at doses of 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg body weight, with folic acid serving as the positive control. Hematological parameters, including white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were evaluated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides. Among the tested doses, P. reticulatus at 250 mg/kg demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly increasing RBC count, Hb levels, and PCV, with effects comparable to those of the positive control. However, its influence on WBC count, MCHC, and MCV was comparatively lower. In conclusion, P. reticulatus exhibited promising antianemic potential by increasing RBC count, Hb levels, and PCV, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for anemia.