Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Yemeni Shilajit from Dhamar, Ma’rib, and Raymah on Hemolytic Anemia in Rabbits: Effects on G6PD Activity, PCV, Hemoglobin, and RBC Count

Bushra Jaadan¹, Wafa M. Al-Madhagi¹, Ali G. Al-kaf¹, Sami H. Alrabahi²

Keywords: Shilajit, phenylhydrazine, hemolytic anemia, Dhamar and Raymah

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0135

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0135

Publish Date: 22-09-2025

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Pages: 374 - 378

Citation: 0

Author Affiliation:

1 Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
2 Assistant Professor, Science and Industrial Pharmacy, Research and Development Department, Shiba Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd, Sana’a, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Shilajit is a historically valued natural substance with promising but still preliminary scientific support for urinary and diabetic health, yet its growing popularity risks exploitation and exaggerated claims without rigorous human clinical validation. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Yemeni Shilajit sourced from Dhamar, Ma’rib, and Raymah on hemolytic anemia experimentally induced in rabbits using phenylhydrazine.

Methods: Twelve male rabbits were divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups, each receiving Shilajit from one of the three regions. Anemia was induced via subcutaneous injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride, and treatment was administered orally at a dose of 125 to 250 mg/kg twice daily. Hematological parameters—including packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, and glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity—were evaluated at various intervals.

Results: showed that Shilajit from Dhamar and Raymah significantly increased PCV, Hb, RBC count, and G-6-PD enzyme activity (p < 0.05), suggesting notable anti-anemic effects and potential for restoring hematological parameters to near-normal levels. In contrast, Ma’rib Shilajit exhibited limited efficacy, with significant improvement only in hemoglobin levels. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of essential amino acids and bioactive compounds, such as fulvic acid and dibenzo-α-pyrones, which likely contribute to Shilajit’s therapeutic action.

Conclusions: The study concludes that purified Shilajit from Dhamar and Raymah holds promise as a natural remedy for hemolytic anemia, supporting its traditional use and warranting further investigation for pharmacological applications.

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