Bone Marrow Protective Potential of Syzygium Cumini Ethanol Extract Against Chemotherapy-Induced

ABSTRACTPurposeTo evaluate whether Syzygium cumini ethanol extract (SCEE) mitigates cisplatin-induced myelosuppression in Wistar rats by restoring haematological indices, normalising coagulation times, reducing oxidative stress, and preserving bone-marrow histoarchitecture. MethodologyRandomised, controlled in-vivo study (n=24; 4 groups, 6 rats/group). Myelotoxicity was induced with cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) on Days ‘1, 3, 5, and 7’. Interventions: SCEE 200 or 400 mg/kg p.o. for 21 days versus normal and toxic controls. Primary readouts at Days 1, 7, 14, 21 included CBC (RBC, WBC, platelets), haemoglobin, haematocrit, differential leukocyte counts, bleeding and clotting times. Mechanistic assays in bone marrow quantified lipid peroxidation (MDA/TBARS) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPx, GR, GST). Histopathology (H&E) assessed cellularity/fat infiltration. Statistics: one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test; data as mean ± SEM. ResultsCisplatin significantly depressed haematological parameters and prolonged bleeding/clotting times, with concomitant marrow hypocellularity and fat infiltration, elevated MDA, and reductions in CAT, SOD, GPx, GR, and GST. SCEE produced dose-dependent recovery across endpoints. The 400 mg/kg arm delivered near-baseline restoration of RBC, WBC, platelets, haemoglobin, and haematocrit; normalised bleeding/clotting times; significantly lowered MDA; and re-established antioxidant enzyme activities. Histology corroborated functional recovery with improved cellularity and reduced fat infiltration approaching the normal profile. ConclusionSCEE demonstrates robust haematoprotective efficacy against cisplatin-driven myelosuppression, plausibly via antioxidant reinforcement and attenuation of lipid peroxidation. These preclinical data de-risk SCEE as a plant-based adjunct to maintain marrow function during platinum chemotherapy. Translation will require bioactive standardisation, dose optimisation, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation.