Effect of P. serratifolia Leaf Extract on Hematological Parameters and Standarization of Snacks using P. serratifolia Leaf Powder

Premna serratifolia (also known as Pachumullai) belongs to the family Verbenaceae, is a medicinal plant known as Agnimantha in Ayurveda. It has potential hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activity. There are many phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in the plant parts of Premna serratifolia. In addition to this, it has higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity which is beneficial to human health as a therapeutic adjuvant. However, the nutritional components in P. serratifolia have not been probed, though it was consumed during special rituals. Further the anti-anemic effect of P. serratifolia was not yet studied. The present research aimed at assessing the micronutrients (Iron, Phosphorus, Calcium, Ascorbic acid) in P. serratifolia leaf, and the ethanolic extract of P. serratifolia leaf at two different dosage (100mg and 200mg) was examined for hematological parameters (Hemoglobin, Red Blood Cell count and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) in anemic rats and the value added snacks like biscuit, vadam and murukku were formulated at two different ratios by using P. serratifolia leaf powder. The results showed that P. serratifolia leaf extract had higher impact on the hematological parameters when compared with standard drug ferrous fumarate and the higher incorporation of P. serratifolia leaf powder helped to increase the nutrient content in formulated snacks.