Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Extract and curcumin Against Allopurinol-Induced aplastic anemia in MaleAlbino Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36320/ajb/v18.i2.24547Keywords:
Aplastic anemia, Allopurinol, Nigella sativa, Curcumin, Hematological parameters, Ferritin, Erythropoietin, Oxidative stress.Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Nigella sativa extract and curcumin, individually and in combination, against allopurinol-induced aplastic anemia in male albino rats. Fifty adult male albino rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 10/group). Group I served as the negative control, while Group II received allopurinol (150 mg/kg/day, orally) to induce aplastic anemia. Groups III, IV, and V received allopurinol in combination with Nigella sativa extract (300 mg/kg/day), curcumin (150 mg/kg/day), or both agents, respectively, for six weeks. At the end of the experimental period, hematological parameters including red blood cell count (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count (WBCs), and platelet count were determined. Serum erythropoietin and ferritin concentrations were also measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at P ≤ 0.05. Allopurinol administration induced significant hematological alterations characterized by decreases in RBCs, Hb, PCV, WBCs, and platelet counts, accompanied by significant elevations in serum erythropoietin and ferritin levels compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05). Treatment with Nigella sativa or curcumin significantly improved all hematological indices and reduced serum erythropoietin and ferritin concentrations. The combined treatment produced the most pronounced protective effect, restoring most hematological and biochemical parameters to values comparable with those of the control group. RBC count increased from 4.12 ± 0.28 ×10⁶/µL in the allopurinol group to 7.10 ± 0.25 ×10⁶/µL in the combined-treatment group, while hemoglobin increased from 8.1 ± 0.5 to 13.3 ± 0.4 mg/dL. Similar improvements were observed in WBC and platelet counts. In conclusion, the findings indicate that Nigella sativa extract and curcumin possess significant protective effects against allopurinol-induced aplastic anemia. Their beneficial actions are likely mediated through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hematopoietic-supporting mechanisms.
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