Dose-Dependent Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Rats by Red Beetroot Extract and Quercetin: Insights into Hematological Modulation

.The concentration of cadmium (Cd) in environment was found to exceed the allowed levels in zones with intensive industry, posing a significant well-being risk. Toxicity of Cd is mainly related to generation of oxidative insult. Red beetroot and quercetin (Qu) have been known for their strong antioxidant activity. Purpose of this study was to determine whether the beneficial effects of Qu and red beetroot extract (RBRE) might be used to mitigate Cd-induced hemogram disruption in adult male rats. Fifty mature male rats were evenly distributed into five groups (Control, CdCl2, CdCl2 + Qu, CdCl2 + small dose of RBRE and CdCl2 + large dose of RBRE groups). All animals were given their treatments for 2 months by gavage. Blood was collected and analyzed. Experimental data indicated that exposure to CdCl2 led to a mild decrease in the ultimate body mass compared to control animals. Moreover, it substantially lowered (p<0.01) both the hemoglobin percentage and its concentration, while causing a non-significant decline in red blood cell counts and average hematocrit values compared to controls. CdCl2 exposure also produced a non-significant decrease in platelet count, plateletcrit, and mean platelet volume, coupled with a notable decrease in platelet distribution width (p<0.05). Notably, treatment with RBRE at both tested doses, along with Qu, effectively countered all these negative impacts, achieving the most favorable outcomes with the higher RBRE dose. Overall, RBRE, especially the large dose, emerges as a potential therapeutic option for enhancing blood profiles in Cd-exposed animals.