Effects of Botanical Supplementation on Benzene-Induced Hematological, Histopathological, and Molecular Alterations in Rats

Authors

  • Nzar Ibrahim Yousif Department of Community Health Nursing, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Sarween Sherzad Rasool Department of Laboratory, Unit of Hematopathology and Flow Cytometry, Nanakali Hospital for Blood Diseases and Cancer, Erbil, Iraq
  • Zhala B. Taha Department of Forestry, College of Agricultural Engineering Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Mohammed M. Hussein M. Raouf Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region–F.R. Iraq
  • Bakhtawar Ziad Omer Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Zahraakhan Maaroof Taher Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Abdullah Jawdat Zebari Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Zeenath Sufderhusain Sheikh Department of Anesthesia Technology, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Hero Ismael Mohammed Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Shahrokh Mojarradgandoukmolla Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Tanya Salam Salih Department of Physiotherapy, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Usha Rani Kandula Department of Community Health Nursing, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
  • Sherzad Hassan Radha Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Health, Koya University, Koya 44023, Kurdistan Region–F.R. Iraq
  • Abdulrahman Ismael Department of Community Health Nursing, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v15i.4246

Abstract

Background: Leukemia is a hematological malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature white blood cells, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Benzene is a recognized leukemogenic agent associated with hematopoietic toxicity following prolonged exposure. This study investigated the protective effects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Camellia sinensis (green tea), and curcumin against benzene-induced leukemic alterations in rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male albino rats received intravenous benzene (99.9%) every two days for 3 weeks to induce leukemic changes. Following induction, rats were divided into three groups (n=6/group), 1:a combination-treated group receiving oral Withania somnifera (200 mg/kg), Camellia sinensis extract (250 mg/kg), and curcumin (200 mg/kg) daily for 30 days; 2:a Withania somnifera-treated group receiving 300 mg/kg daily for 30 days; and 3:a control group. Hematological, histopathological, and molecular analyses were performed using blood, bone marrow, spleen, and liver samples. Results: Both treatment regimens reduced several benzene-induced hematological, histopathological, and molecular alterations. Hematological parameters in treated groups were maintained within near-normal ranges. Histopathological examination demonstrated partial preservation of liver and spleen architecture in both treatment groups, with reduced inflammatory and degenerative changes compared with untreated benzene-exposed rats. Molecular analysis showed restoration of Nrf2 expression and modulation of Caspase-3 expression following treatment, particularly in the combination-treated group. Blast cell counts were reduced in both treatment groups compared with untreated benzene-exposed animals. Conclusion: Withania somnifera, alone or in combination with curcumin and green tea extract, demonstrated protective effects against benzene-induced hematological, histopathological, and molecular alterations in rats. The combination treatment showed greater improvement in molecular markers associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings support further investigation of these botanical compounds as potential supportive agents in leukemia-related disorders.

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Published

2026-07-15

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Yousif, N. I., Rasool, S. S., Taha, Z. B., Raouf, M. M. H. M., Omer, B. Z., Taher, Z. M., … Ismael, A. (2026). Effects of Botanical Supplementation on Benzene-Induced Hematological, Histopathological, and Molecular Alterations in Rats. Galen Medical Journal, 15, e4246. https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v15i.4246

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Vol. 15 (2026): 2026: In Progress

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