IN VITRO HEMOLYTIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE JOSHANDA SAMPLES

Abstract

Joshanda is a polyherbal formulation of Unani origin widely used in Pakistan to treat the common cold, bronchitis
and inflammation as a substitute for expensive pharmaceutical drugs. Due to its common use, it is important to
evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the active ingredients of joshanda. Hemolytic activity is an important indicator
of the relationship between joshanda constituents and biological molecules at the cellular level. Thus, the present
study was designed to check the hemolytic and antioxidant activity of different joshanda samples commercially
available in Pakistan. All joshanda samples showed significant antioxidant potential in DPPH radical scavenging
assay with activity ranging between 92.87 to 81.67% at the composition commonly used. Hemolytic assay showed
lysis of human red blood cells ranged between 30.46 to 38.32% at normally consumed concentrations.
Phytochemical analysis of the samples indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, phenolics,
glycosides, terpenoids, and sterols, while quinones were absent in all the samples. The study concluded that the
polyherbal formulation is an important source of antioxidants that are responsible for its pharmacological
activities. But at the time, hemolytic activities observed demands detailed cytotoxicity testing of these joshanda
samples.