Protective effects of mango peel extract on carboplatin/5-fluorouracil-induced parotid gland injury and hematopoietic toxicity in male Wistar albino rats: a preclinical study

Chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of head and neck cancers can induce adverse effects on healthy tissues, including hematopoietic cells. Saliva and salivary glands are also vulnerable to the toxic effects of chemotherapy. Notably, the incorporation of herbal products or their natural constituents offers the potential for mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Mangifera indica L., commonly known as mango, is a globally significant tropical fruit renowned for its production and consumer appeal. It possesses a range of bioactive properties, including antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. This study assessed the cytoprotective activity of mango peel extract (MPE), specifically its ability to mitigate the adverse effects of carboplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on parotid glands and hematopoietic cells. Sixty male albino rats were equally divided into control (no treatment), Drug (carboplatin/5-FU), MPE only, and Drug + MPE (carboplatin/5-FU + MPE). All treatments were administered for three weeks. Body weight, blood glucose levels, and hematological values were evaluated. Parotid gland biopsies were analyzed using H&E staining and transmission electron microscopy. The concurrent administration of MPE and carboplatin/5-FU significantly increased body weight compared to carboplatin/5-FU treatment alone. However, MPE did not counteract the decrease in blood glucose levels induced by carboplatin/5-FU. Notably, the combined use of MPE and carboplatin/5-FU resulted in a modest increase in total hematopoietic cell count compared to the substantial decrease observed with carboplatin/5-FU monotherapy. Parotid glands revealed that MPE partially restored parenchymal structure, characterized by reduced periductal fibrosis, fewer pyknotic nuclei, and milder acinar vacuolation. While some striated ducts still showed a loss of striation, excretory ducts exhibited partial improvement in cell lining in certain areas. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed these histological observations. MPE demonstrated myeloprotective effects on hematopoietic cells, improved weight loss, and reduced blood glucose levels. Furthermore, concurrent administration of MPE and carboplatin/5-FU significantly attenuated parotid gland injury induced by carboplatin/5-FU.