Anti-inflammatory Effects of <i>Phyllanthus amarus</i> Extracts Against Benzene-Induced Leukemia in Rats

Abstract

Background: The present study examined the protective effects of extracts from Phyllanthus amarus on benzene-induced leukemia in Wistar rats. Benzene is a carcinogen linked to increased leukemia risk. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the impact of P. amarus extracts, prepared via different drying methods, on immunological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. Methods: Aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts were prepared from P. amarus using room drying, oven drying, and sun drying. The rats were treated with benzene and the extracts. For the immunological parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For biochemical parameters, microalbumin, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assessed using spectrophotometry. At the same time, for histopathological examination, liver and bone marrow tissues were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed for morphological changes. Results: Research findings showed no significant difference in CRP among the groups (P=0.197), indicating no significant inflammation or tissue damage. TGF-β levels were significantly lower in treatment groups compared to the positive control group (P=0.015), suggesting anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects. No significant differences were found in IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels. The aqueous extract prepared by room drying significantly decreased microalbumin levels (P=0.016), representing potential protective effects on kidney function. The methanolic extract prepared by sun drying significantly reduced creatinine (P=0.032) and ALT (P=0.048) levels, implying beneficial effects on liver function. Histopathological examinations revealed that the extracts modulated bone marrow and liver morphologies, reducing inflammation while improving cellularity and morphology. Conclusion: P. amarus extracts demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effects in benzene-induced leukemia by significantly reducing TGF-β levels without inducing inflammation, as evidenced by stable CRP, IL-8, and TNF-α levels. These findings suggest that the extracts may help mitigate inflammation associated with benzene exposure, highlighting their potential as adjunctive therapies in leukemia treatment. More studies are needed to understand these protective processes completely and investigate their clinical uses.