Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of Cassia Senna on iron overloaded mice.
Methodology: This experimental randomized controlled trial was conducted in the multidisciplinary laboratory of the Zoology Department, Government College University, Lahore for six months period. Thirty-six male albino mice were divided into three groups, 12 in each group. Group one was a control group while iron overload was achieved in groups 2 and 3 by injections of iron dextran 0.1 ml/g bodyweight for 15 days. After confirmation of iron overload, only group 3 mice were allowed to feed on Cassia Senna (100 mg/Kg body weight) for further 15 days. Blood sampling was done on days 0, 15, and 30. On day 30 animals were sacrificed and organs were preserved to evaluate iron levels. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test on SPSS version 22.
Results: The exogenous administration of iron in mice increased the iron levels in serum, liver, heart, and kidneys to a substantial level (p<0.05), Cassia Senna significantly decreased iron levels in these tissues (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Cassia Senna significantly decreased the iron levels in serum, kidney, liver, and heart of iron overloaded mice. The addition of Cassia Senna in patients suffering from complications due to iron overload, as an adjunct therapy can decrease the damaging effects of iron overload. So, clinical trials should be conducted to confirm its efficacy.

Key words: Iron overload, organ damage, Cassia Senna.