2024/11/14 by Grace, Oyewole O., Wasiu, Olooto E., Adebayo, Amballi A. +4
#Benzene #antioxidants #haematological parameters #leukaemia #oxidative stress
paper · doi:10.60787/wajp.vol35no2.356
Background: Securinega virosa (common bushweed; Chinese waterberry) is a widely distributed plant throughout tropical Africa and China, but can also be found in India, Malaya, and Australia. The leaves are used traditionally to treat fever, body pain, stomach ache, rheumatism, epilepsy, infectious and chronic diseases including diabetes and cancer due to the presence of phytochemicals of therapeutic importance. Objective: This study investigated the anti-leukaemic and chemopreventive properties of aqueous Securinega virosa leaf extracts in benzene-induced leukaemia. Methods: Forty male Swiss mice (weight range 15-32g) categorised into control (8) and test (32) groups were used. Leukaemia was induced in the test group using 400 mg/kg body weight benzene. Blood film was prepared and examined microscopically for the presence of blast cell to confirm leukaemia. For therapeutic studies, Securinega virosa extract was administered for a period of three weeks after blood was obtained for haematological studies and film preparation. Bone marrow extraction and liver tissue excision were done for microscopic and histopathological studies. Liver tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase levels were also determined. Results: showed the presence of blast cells in the blood and BM; and revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in percentage blast cells, percentage micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, leukocyte counts, erythrocyte count and liver MDA; and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, platelet count, and liver catalase activities amongst leukaemic-untreated groups when compared to Securinega virosa extract-treated groups. Conclusion: The anti-leukaemic potentials and chemopreventive activity of aqueous Securinega virosa extract is hereby inferenced as indicated by improvements in haematological parameters, markers of oxidative stress, and the general liver cyto-architecture described by well-organised portal triad and well distributed hepatocytes among the extract-treated mice.