Evaluation of the haematinic activity of Opuntia elatior Mill. fruit

Abstract

Opuntia elatior, known as Nagaphani or Hathalo-thore belongs to the family Cactaceae. It is one of the Opuntia species used as medicine for various ailments due to its beneficial health-promoting properties. Fruits of Opuntia elatior have been advocated in anaemia, asthma, cough, inflammation, and gonorrhoea in Gujarat. The present study was planned to evaluate the hematinic effect of Opuntia elatior Mill. fruit on mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) induced anaemia in rats. Opuntia elatior fruit Swarasa was administered to Charle’s foster albino rats for 30 consecutive days at the doses of 1.8 mL/kg and 3.6 mL/kg. The effects of both drugs were assessed on ponderal changes, haematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs. The fruit Swarasa showed significant increase in the haemoglobin content, serum ferritin level and serum TIBC level. The test drug at both dose levels produced adverse changes of mild intensity in liver, kidney and heart and reverted the disturbance in the cytoarchitecture of the spleen, thymus and lymph node. Test drug Opuntia elatior fruit Swarasa reversed anaemia induced by HgCl₂ in a dose-dependent manner. The results support the traditional use of fruits in the treatment of anaemia.