Evaluation of beneficial effects of Epilobium hirsutum on hematological parameter in iron intoxicated Sprague–Dawley rats

Abstract

Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the protective role of different fractions of Epilobium hirsutum on the toxic effects of iron on hematological value in Sprague–Dawley rats. Material and Methods: Iron overload was induced by injecting six IP injections of iron dextran (12.5 mg/100 g) uniformly for 30 days. Different fractions of E. hirsutum were given orally and deferoxamine subcutaneously for 30 days. The hematological parameters were evaluated on 15–30 days of treatment. Results: The animal exposed to iron presented a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in red blood corpuscles, total and differential white blood cells, and platelet levels. This shows that the overabundance of iron in iron overloaded conditions can lead to bone marrow suppression. These influences of iron overload were prevented by concurrent daily administration of a methanolic fraction of methanolic extract and a methanolic fraction of aqueous extract of E. hirsutum. Conclusion: The results indicate that 300 mg/kg for 30 days shows better beneficial effects as compared to 150 mg/kg for 15 days of treatment. Our results endorsed that E. hirsutum has beneficial effects on hematological parameters in iron intoxicated Sprague–Dawley rats.