Publication:

Preclinical haematological profile studies of an ayurvedic medicine ajowan after chronic administration to male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background Ayurvedic medicines are widely utilized for their therapeutic potential, yet many remain insufficiently evaluated for safety. Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi Linn.), a traditional remedy for gastrointestinal disturbances, is commonly used in South Asia. However, data on its haematological safety following prolonged use are scarce. This study aimed to assess the haematological effects of chronic ajowan administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods Eighteen healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: control (n=8), low-dose ajowan (JAN) (50 mg/kg; n=5), and high-dose ajowan (JAN) (400 mg/kg; n=5). The extract was administered orally for 28 days. On day 29, blood samples were collected and haematological parameters- including red and white blood cell indices, platelet counts, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), were analysed using a CELL-DYN 3700 haematology analyser.

Results Chronic ajowan administration produced dose-related, though mostly statistically insignificant, changes in red cell indices, with slight increases in RBC, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values. White blood cell counts increased by 21.1% (low dose) and 32.8% (high dose; p=0.039), suggesting mild immunostimulation. Differential counts revealed decline in eosinophil and neutrophil, while lymphocytes and monocytes rose slightly. Platelet counts fell modestly (−2.5% at low-dose and −10.2% at high-dose), but platelet indices and ESR largely remained within normal ranges. No marked hemotoxic effects were observed.

Conclusions Chronic ajowan administration did not induce significant haematological toxicity in male rats, though elevated WBC counts and mild platelet reductions warrant further study.