Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely used in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Their long term use causes development of anemia in patients with these diseases. Present study was designed to evaluate the protective hematopoietic potential of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP) against ACE inhibitor-induced anemia along with their toxic effects on kidney and liver cells. Adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five equal groups (n=6). Group I was control group and group II was administered with ACE inhibitor (20 mg/kg/day) to induce anemia. In group III, ACE inhibitor was administered (20 mg/kg/day) in combination with erythropoietin (EPO, 100 IU/kg/each). Group IV was administered with ASP at the dose rate of 1 g/kg/day. In Group V, ACE inhibitor (20 mg/kg/day) was administered in combination with ASP (1 g/kg/day). After 28 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for hematological and histopathological analysis respectively. The results showed that ACE inhibitors significantly reduced (P<0.05) the hemoglobin value (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) values. In group treated with ASP, there was significant (P<0.05) increase in Hb value and RBC count. The combination of ACE inhibitor and ASP led to the significant (P<0.05) reduction in Hb, PCV, RBC count, MCV and MCH values. While histopathological examination of liver and kidney cells showed a mild degree of toxicity in ASP treated group.

Key words: ACE inhibitors, Angelica sinensis, MCH, MCV, PCV, RBC count