The total RBC count, PCV and Hb levels of extract-treated rats, compared to controls, as well as the MCV, MCH and MCHC (which are individual RBC indices used in anemia classification), were marginally altered, thus validating the fact that the extract does not affect erythropoiesis but protects erythrocytes from oxidative damage (Tarkang et al., 2012 ▶). Here, GSTM1 is linked to anemia.