Evaluation of Medicinal Plant Extracts in Modulating Haematological, Thrombotic, and Inflammatory Markers in Benzene-Induced Leukaemic Wistar Rats

Abstract

Leukaemia is often complicated with thrombotic and inflammatory complications that further augment the progression of the disease and the rate of morbidity. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of test plants, Azadirachta indica, Psorospernum febrifugum, Ricinus communis, and Rosy periwinkle, on the thrombotic, anticoagulant, and inflammatory parameters of benzene-induced leukaemic Wistar rats so that these plants may be explored as potential adjuvants. Six groups of Wistar rats were studied, with control and benzene-induced leukemia in two groups and four treatments with the selected medicinal plant extracts. Parameters studied included platelet count, Prothrombin Time (PT), Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), D-dimer, Protein C, Protein S, and inflammatory markers (TNF-á and Hs-CRP). Leukaemia markers CD10 and CD20 were also studied. Following benzene exposure, platelet counts, and protein C and protein S levels were decreased, PT and PTT values were prolonged, and D-dimer, TNF-á, and Hs-CRP levels increased (p < 0.05). Treatment with plant extracts partially restored these parameters, with Azadirachta indica holding the first position for full restoration of the changes. The treatment also modulates the expression of CD10 and CD20, therefore suggesting some therapeutic benefits. This study has thus revealed that the selected herb, especially Azadirachta indica, has been found to prevent coagulative, inflammatory and haematological complications associated with leukaemia. This suggests that these herbs can be used as adjuncts to treat leukaemia. Additional clinical trials will definitely be needed to confirm such effects in human models.