Protective Effects of Andrographis Paniculata Aqueous Leaf Extract against Lead Induced Hematological Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Andrographis paniculata (AP) aqueous leaf extract against lead-induced hematological toxicity in male Wistar rats. Study Design: A randomized controlled animal study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, conducted over 28 days. Methodology: Thirty male Wistar rats (90–120 g) were randomly assigned into five groups (n=6). Group I (control) received no treatment, Group II was administered lead acetate (40 mg/kg), while Groups III, IV, and V were co-treated with AP at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, respectively, alongside 40 mg/kg lead acetate. Following 28 days of treatment, blood samples were collected to assess blood lead levels and hematological indices, including hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Lead exposure significantly reduced Hb (8.50 ± 0.40 g/dL), RBC (4.20 ± 0.10 ×10⁶/µL), and packed cell volume (PCV: 24.00 ± 1.00%), while increasing WBC (16.83 ± 0.35 ×10³/µL) and PLT (615.33 ± 237.79 ×10³/µL) compared to controls. AP treatment dose-dependently mitigated these effects, with Group V (300 mg/kg AP) restoring Hb (13.30 ± 0.53 g/dL), RBC (6.80 ± 0.10 ×10⁶/µL), and PCV (38.67 ± 2.08%) to near-normal levels. A significant reduction in blood lead levels was also observed in AP-treated groups, particularly at 300 mg/kg. Conclusion: Andrographis paniculata aqueous leaf extract exhibits protective effects against lead-induced hematological toxicity, likely through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating lead toxicity. Further studies are warranted to elucidate its precise mechanisms of action.