COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF JUSTICIA CARNEA EXTRACT AND JUSTICIA CARNEA-BASED NANOPARTICLES ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN ARSENIC-INDUCED HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES
Abstract
The study investigates the potential protective effects of Justicia carnea extract (JCE) and Justicia carnea-based zinc nanoparticles (JCENp) against arsenic-induced haematological and organ-specific toxicity in male Wistar rats. Arsenic, a well-documented environmental toxin, causes hematotoxicity by disrupting erythropoiesis, increasing oxidative stress, and altering immune cell profiles, which can lead to systemic inflammation and damage to organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. This research aims to explore the ameliorative effects of JCE and JCENp on arsenic toxicity, comparing their efficacy in reducing haematological abnormalities and arsenic accumulation in organs. The study employed a rat model to assess various haematological and biochemical parameters affected by arsenic exposure. Forty rats were divided into eight groups, including control, arsenic-only, and treatment groups receiving either JCE or JCENp, with or without arsenic. Over 28 days, arsenic exposure resulted in significant hematotoxic effects, including reductions in packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, and haemoglobin (HGB) levels, indicative of anaemia. In addition, white blood cell (WBC) counts and lymphocyte levels were elevated, signalling an inflammatory response. Treatment with JCE and JCENp improved haematological parameters, with JCENp exhibiting superior efficacy over JCE. JCENp significantly restored PCV, RBC, and HGB levels, while reducing WBC and lymphocyte counts, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, JCENp-treated groups showed reduced arsenic levels in liver and kidney tissues, suggesting enhanced arsenic clearance facilitated by nanoparticle-enhanced delivery. The mechanisms behind the protective effects of JCE and JCENp are attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Justicia carnea contains bioactive compounds that scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses. The nanoparticle formulation (JCENp) likely enhances these effects by improving cellular uptake and bioavailability, enabling sustained release of active compounds at target sites. This study concludes that JCENp holds promise as a more effective treatment than JCE alone for mitigating arsenic-induced toxicity. The findings highlight the potential of Justicia carnea-based therapies, especially in nanoparticle form, for managing heavy metal toxicity. Further research is recommended to optimize dosage and investigate the clinical applications of JCENp in arsenic-exposed populations.
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