Attenuation of vincristine-induced genotoxicity and histological derangements by Tridax procumbens leaf extract in male Wistar rats

Abstract Background Widely used antineoplastic drugs, including vincristine (VCT), are known to be genotoxic and cause side effects in humans and animals. Consequently, there is a need to explore the antineoplastic potential of notable medicinal plants. This study investigated the role of Tridax procumbens (TDP), a medicinal plant with beneficial ethnopharmacological properties, on VCT-induced genotoxicity and histological alterations in male Wistar rats. Methods Forty male Wistar rats were equally divided into eight groups (A–H) and treated as follows: Group A (control) received 1 mL/kg distilled water, Group B: VCT (0.1 mg/kg), Groups C–E: TDP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and Groups F–H: VCT plus TDP at the varying doses. The treatment lasted for ten days, after which histological examinations and genotoxicity tests were conducted. Results There was a significant ( p < 0.05) reduction in the body weight change of VCT-treated rats. On the contrary, TDP dose-dependently increased the body weight of treated rats. VCT induced notable histological changes in the testes, epididymis, and kidneys, which were ameliorated in the groups co-treated with TDP. VCT also significantly ( p < 0.05) increased micronucleus formation and macrophage infiltration in the bone marrow compared to the control. Co-treatment with TDP dose-dependently reduced these effects. Conclusion These findings suggest that Tridax procumbens may offer protective effects against VCT-induced disruption in organ weight changes, histological alterations, and genotoxicity parameters, highlighting its potential use as an alternative or adjunct anticancer agent.