Haemostatic effect of ecliptaalba on albino rabbits

Ecliptaalba (Bhringraj) is an important traditional Indian medicinal plant reported to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, hepatoprotective and anthelmintic effect well documented in literature. In the present study ethanolic leaf extract of eclipta alba (EEEA) was evaluated for its haemostatic activity by their ability to affect the screening test or modify the experimentally induced prolongation of test time on the basis of its folklore claim in normal, aspirin and heparin treated rabbits. The parameters recorded were BT, CT, PT and APTT & platelet count in all the three groups. The study was carried out in 3 parts in different doses 200,400,600 & 800mg/kg. Part-A-study of the haemostatic effect of Ethanolic extract of E. alba (EEEA) in graded doses on normal rabbits. Part-B-study of EEEA in aspirin treated rabbits. Part-C-study of EEEA in heparin treated rabbits. Tranexamic acid was used as the standard drug. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA & student t test. In normal rabbits EEEA high doses 800mg/k & 600mg/kg exhibited significant reduction in BT & CT (p<0.01). The same doses were found to decrease the aspirin induced increase in BT & heparin induced increase in CT in a significant manner (p<0.01). As decrease in CT might be due to liberation of some active principles from leaves of Ecliptaalba which demonstrated to have anti-haemorrhagic activity against snake bite not affecting any coagulation factor. No significant effect on PT, APPT and platelet count was observed. EEEA exhibited definite haemostatic effect in the above 3 sets of study. Phytochemical analysis and isolation of active principle is essential to carry on beneficial effects from laboratory bench to bedside of patients.