Antioxidant, Protective, and Hematopoietic Effects of <i>Juniperus phoenicea</i> ssp. <i>turbinata</i> Extracts in Phenylhydrazine‐Induced Hemolytic Anemia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, and antianemic effects of aqueous leaf (JPEL) and berry (JPEB) extracts of Juniperus phoenicea ssp. turbinata L . ( J. phoenicea ssp. turbinata ). The plant is traditionally used to treat various ailments. HPLC–DAD analysis identified quercetin as the major compound (JPEB 49.09%; JPEL 31.34%), followed by p‐coumaric acid (27.07% in JPEB), catechin (14.69% in JPEL), and gallic acid (JPEB 13.69%; JPEL 12.08%). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and reducing power assays, with the most active extract showing IC 50 = 23.95 ± 0.64 µg/mL and EC 50 = 300 ± 1.41 µg/mL. In vivo, 25 rats were assigned to 5 groups: negative control, PHZ‐induced anemic control (40 mg/kg), JPEL‐treated, JPEB‐treated (300 mg/kg/day for 21 days), and a positive control (ascorbic acid, 10 mg/kg/day). Both extracts significantly ameliorated PHZ‐induced hematological disturbances, restoring values toward normal. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding affinities of key phytochemicals with deoxy‐hemoglobin and the TRPV4 ankyrin domains, suggesting potential interactions at these targets. However, these in silico findings are predictive and do not confirm functional protection or protein stabilization. The experimental results demonstrated antioxidant activity and improvement of hematological parameters in the animal model. These findings suggest that J. phoenicea ssp. turbinata extracts may warrant further investigation as natural sources of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, additional pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies are required to validate these effects and assess their relevance for therapeutic applications.