Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) Juice Ameliorative Hematological Effects in Lead Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Hematological parameters are essential clinical indicators of health status, which are of great research interest. Our study attempts an assessment of the possible ameliorative hematological effects of Turmeric and Cucumber juice in lead induced toxicity using male Wistar rats as models. Experimental animals were acclimatized for 2 weeks and were subsequently randomly distributed into five groups made up of five rats per group. Lead toxicity was induced through a single daily oral administration of 2.25mg/kg body weight of lead in all rat groups except groups1 and 7 for 28 days and were treated as follows: Group 1: Control; animals in this group had free access to tap water and normal rat chow at will. Group 2: Pb only; animals in this group received 2.25mg/kg bw of lead acetate only. Group 3: Pb + TUM; rats in this group got 1ml of Turmeric juice only following induction of lead toxicity. Group 4: Pb + CUC; animals in this group were given 1ml of Cucumber juice only following induction of lead toxicity. Group 5: Pb + TUM + CUC; animals in this group received 1ml of Turmeric and 1ml of Cucumber juice following induction of lead toxicity. Group 6: Pb + bioferon; animals in this group received 0.23ml/kg body weight dose of bioferon following lead induced toxicity. Group 7: Bioferon Only; animals in this group received 0.23ml/kg body weight dose of bioferon only. All administrations were orally carried out once a day in the morning hours (between 8am-9am) using oral cannula. On day 29, experimental animals were anesthetized using diethyl ether and blood samples taken via cardiac puncture for serum erythrocyte parameters (PCV, Hb and RBC) and total WBC and PLT counts determination. Assayed parameters were assessed using a reflotron produced by Boehringer Mannhein. Predictably, administration of 2.25mg/kg bw of lead acetate to group 2 (Pb Only) rats produced a significant reduction (p<0.05) in PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC and PLT counts when compared to group 1 (Control) rats. This is suggestive of a possible deleterious effect of lead acetate at the administered dose. However, administration of 1ml each of turmeric and cucumber juice respectively significantly increased (p<0.05) the above parameters amongst groups 3 (Pb + TUM) and 4 (Pb + CUC) rats when compared to group 2 (Pb Only) rats with turmeric showing a better effect. Significantly higher (p<0.05) values of PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, and platelet counts were observed amongst group 5 (Pb + TURM + CUC) rats co-administered 1ml each of both turmeric and cucumber juice, compared togroups1 (Control), 2 (PbOnly), 3 (Pb + TUM) and 4 (Pb + CUC) rats. Indicating a possible greater hematopoietic effect of the combined administration of both juices compared to single administration of either juice. Our findings suggest a possible synergistic effects of the juices on haematological indices when combined following lead administration in experimental rats.