Anti-anemic potential of Eruca sativa L. in iron-deficient rat model; network pharmacology profiling

Iron deficiency anemia is a global health concern, affecting around 2 billion people. Oral iron therapy often causes severe gastro-intestinal issues. Eruca sativa, member of the Brassicaceae family, is valued in traditional medicine and renowned for its rich iron and vitamin C content. This study aims to evaluate the anti-anemic properties of E. sativa extract in vivo and identify its compounds targeting anemia mechanisms using network pharmacology. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats (200 ± 250 g) were split into two distinct groups, iron-deficient and iron-sufficient. Three different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) of aqueous extract of E. sativa were checked against anemia by studying hematological, oxidative stress, and histopathological parameters. GC-MS analysis of E. sativa revealed its phytochemical profile, followed by ADME screening. Network pharmacology explored targets related to iron deficiency anemia, with oral bioavailability and drug likeness assessment for compounds. The administration of extracts significantly improved various blood parameters, including osmotic fragility, Hb, RBCs, MCV, PCV, and alkaline phosphatase; catalase activity; and histopathological parameters such as liver in both iron-deficient and iron-sufficient rats (p < .001). Seventy-nine compounds were identified in E. sativa aqueous extract, with only six of them found to be bioavailable and drug-like against multiple targets. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed their diverse molecular, biological, and cellular functions. One gene EGFR was found to have functional association with ID anemia, suggesting potential for using E. sativa extracts. The study concludes that E. sativa extract has potential for iron deficiency anemia treatment, offering hope for future pharmaceutical interventions.