Abstract

One of the prominent complications observed in those undergoing treatment
with methotrexate (MTX) is hematological profile alterations which could culminate in
severe anemia. In this study, we assessed the hematological profile indices in MXTtreated
rats and the effect of leaf extract of Datura stramonium (LEDS) supplementation
in MXT-treated rats. Ethanol (98%) was the solvent used in extraction. Animals were
divided at random into four groups. Animals in group 1 received normal saline (5 mg/kg)
orally and feeding was limitless and did not receive MXT. Animals in group 2 were given
LEDS orally (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days while group 3 received 20 mg/kg body
weight (bw) of MXT on day 18 via the intra-peritoneum without LEDS. Rats in group 4
were given the extract (200 mg/kg bw) and also injected with 20 mg/kg bw of MXT
on day 18 of the study via the intra-peritoneum. Serum levels of hemoglobin, red blood
cells, packed cell volume, total white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets
were determined. Rats treated with MXT had notable depletion in hemoglobin, red blood
cells, packed cell volume, total white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets, unlike the
control group. Interestingly, LEDS supplementation markedly restored the altered
hematological profiles. MXT injection caused hematological dysfunction while cosupplementation
with LEDS restored the impaired hematological indices. Therefore,
LEDS could be a promising tool in arresting hematological dysfunctions accompanying
MXT chemotherapy. However, we advocate for further prospective scrutiny.