Haematinic Activity of Nagaphani (Opuntia elatior Mill.) Swarasa through its Betalain Content on Phenylhydrazine-induced Haemolytic Anaemia in Rats

Aim: Woody shrubs of Nagaphani (Opuntia elatior Mill.) (Family: Cactaceae), bearing a pear shaped fleshy fruits rich in betalain content, vitamins and has antioxidant activities. Its fruits showed a great demand for its daily consumption in anaemic condition and also for its health benefits in general debilities. The present study aimed to rationalise folklore claim on Nagaphani at classical dose of original dosage i.e. swarasa (fresh expressed juice) in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Nagaphani was subjected for quality assurance through physicochemical and phytochemical analysis. In vitro antioxidant studies of extracts carried out using DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP assay. In vivo hematinic activity of Nagaphani swarasa at two dose levels (1.8 and 3.6 mL/kg) assessed against phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia in rats. Results: Nagaphani fruit swarasa showed in vitro antioxidant activity due to presence of betalain, phenolic and Vitamin C contents. In hematinic study, there was significant increase in the haemoglobin and related parameters, serum ferritin, total iron and antioxidants such as glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in anaemic rats. Nagaphani fruit swarasa reversed the other biochemical parameters, reticulocyte count and TIBC content in a dose-dependent manner in phenylhydrazine-induced haemolytic anaemia in rats. Conclusion: The result of study supports the ethanomedicinal claims of Nagaphani fruit Swarasa as being potent haemitinic drug to treat haemolytic anaemia in albino rats may be due to presence of betalains as an active constituent and potent antioxidant agent.