Development, Molecular Docking, and Anti-Anemia Potential of Polyherbal Formulation

Anemia remains a widespread public health concern, and the search for interventions demonstrating potent anti-anemic activity is critical for reducing its impact among high-risk populations. Conventional iron therapies are associated with several complications and potential adverse effects. This study explored a polyherbal approach to develop a safer and more effective alternative treatment for anemia. A molecular docking study was initially performed to screen and evaluate alizarin, catechin, kaempferol, recesmol, rubiadin, and rutin, which are known for their antioxidant and hematinic potential. Using AutoDock Vina, these compounds were docked against the target protein (PDB ID: 6MOE) with EPE and ferrous ions as controls. Rutin demonstrated the highest binding affinity of -6.4 kcal/moL, whereas alizarin and rubiadin both followed closely with -6.3 kcal/moL, while kaempferol and ellagic acid exhibited a binding affinity of -6.2 kcal/moL. In comparison, the reference compounds tested ferrous ions, and native ligand EPE (-5.0 kcal/moL) and iron (-4.8 kcal/moL), showed mild affinities. Moreover, the tested compounds demonstrated stable binding, suggesting their potential relevance in modulating anemia-related pathways. Based on the docking results and traditional therapeutic values, a polyherbal formulation (PHF) was developed using methanolic extracts of <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>, <i>Emblica officinalis</i>, <i>Pterocarpus marsupium</i>, <i>Withania somnifera</i>, <i>Asparagus racemosus</i>, <i>Zingiber officinale</i>, <i>Rubia cordifolia</i>, <i>Boerhavia diffusa</i>, and <i>Adhatoda vasica</i>. Phytochemical screening via HPTLC analysis was used to quantify the presence of gallic and ellagic acids. In addition, PHF showed significant antioxidant potential (DPPH IC₅₀: 14.29 µg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀: 58.57 µg/mL) and iron content (98.47 ppm) values. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation using a phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia model in Sprague Dawley rats revealed that the PHF achieved complete restoration of RBCs (6.15 ± 0.04), hemoglobin (14.82 ± 0.03 g/dL), and hematocrit (43.08 ± 0.28%) in anemic rats and improved histopathological features in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. These results demonstrate that combined molecular and pharmacological evidence support the efficacy of PHF as a promising candidate for the management of anemia by enhancing erythropoiesis, improving iron metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress.