Haemoprotective effects of Emblica officinalis Linn. against radiation and lead induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice

Radiation is known to cause cell death, mainly due to its ability to produce reactive oxygen species in cells. Lead is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. Emblica officinalis is closely linked to its protective properties against free radicals attack. The hematopoietic system plays an important role in maintaining the vitality of animals. Therefore, the purpose of present study was haemoprotective effects of Emblica officinalis Linn. against radiation and lead induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. For the study, Animals were divided into seven groups. The Emblica was administered seven days prior to irradiation or lead acetate treatment. The animals were autopsied from all the experimental groups at each post treatment intervals of 1, 2, 4, 7, 14 and 28 days. The value of RBC, WBC, PCV, haemoglobin were found to decrease up to day-14 in non-drug treated groups (II, III and IV), thereafter it increased on day-28. In Emblica treated groups (V, VI and VII) the value decreased up to day-7 then it increased up to day-28. The decrease in values was lesser in Emblica treated groups. The value of MCV also showed an increasing trend. The increase in the value of MCR was lesser in Emblica treated groups as compared to non-drug treated groups. Besides this values of MCRC decreased in all the groups at various intervals but the values were lower in the Emblica treated groups. Thus, it may be concluded that Emblica has the ability of inhibiting oxidative stress and substantially protect blood from radiation and heavy metal toxicity. (author)