Therapeutic potential of Achyranthes aspera on the haematological parameters of rats exposed to monosodium glutamate

Abstract

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) is a flavour enhancer, known to induce toxic effects and alterations in haematological parameters when consumed regularly. Achyranthes aspera, a medicinal plant, is documented to possess several secondary metabolites responsible for different medicinal properties like antioxidative, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, anticancerous. This study attempts to investigate the potential effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A. aspera on haematological parameters of rats exposed to MSG. Rats were grouped and exposed to MSG, different extracts of plant and a combination of MSG+Plant extracts, orally through gavage for 28 days. Significant alterations in haematological parameters were observed in rats exposed to MSG with respect to control while non- significant changes were noticed in the rats treated with aqueous as well as ethanolic extracts of the whole plant (A. aspera). Administration of aqueous extract of A. aspera (AEAA) resulted in significant and ethanolic extract of A. aspera (EEAA) showed highly significant restorative effects on haematological parameters of rats subjected to MSG-induced toxicity. These findings suggest that A. aspera has the potential to ameliorate the adverse effects of MSG with ethanolic extract being more potent than the aqueous extract.