Phytochemical Profiling and In Vitro Redox Modulation Potential of a Novel Polyherbal Formulation for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia constitutes a critical public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Its pathophysiology involves not only micronutrient depletion but also a severe disruption of cellular redox homeostasis. Conventional iron supplementation is often limited by gastrointestinal side effects and oxidative stress induction via the Fenton reaction. This study characterizes an Improved Traditional Medicine (ITM) from the West African pharmacopoeia designed to restore antioxidant balance and promote erythropoiesis. Methods: The ITM was formulated using a synergistic matrix of Beta vulgaris (roots), Daucus carota (roots), Zingiber officinale (rhizomes), and Adansonia digitata (fruit pulp), processed via mechanical extraction and thermal optimization. Qualitative phytochemical screening and quantitative spectrophotometric analyses determined the concentration of total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antinutritional factors. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro using DPPH radical scavenging and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Results: Phytochemical profiling revealed a high density of bioactive secondary metabolites, with a total polyphenol content of 356.20 ± 68.07 mg GAE/100 mL and a flavonoid concentration of 99.76 ± 6.84 mg QE/100 mL. The formulation exhibited an acidic pH of 3.90 ± 0.30, optimizing iron bioavailability. In antioxidant assays, the ITM demonstrated exceptional antiradical activity with a DPPH IC50 of 0.51 (dilution fraction) and a maximal inhibition rate of 94.63 ± 2.42%. The FRAP assay indicated strong reducing power (Absorbance: 2.98 ± 0.20), comparable to standard ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The ITM functions as a robust redox shield, leveraging a "cocktail effect" of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants to neutralize reactive oxygen species. The strategic incorporation of Adansonia digitata optimizes the ascorbate-to-iron ratio, offering a scalable nutraceutical alternative for managing anemia-associated oxidative stress. Keywords : Iron deficiency anemia, Polyherbal formulation, Antioxidant activity, Phytochemical profiling