ABSTRACT
Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus, known for their medicinal use possessing bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic properties, offer promises for novel treatments. By examining the impact of the bi-herbal formula on IL-1β and TGF-β gene expressions, the study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effect of Bi-herbal formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extract on interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) gene expressions in Phenyl Hydrazine-Induced Anaemia in Albino Wistar rats. A total of sixty (60) adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into six (6) groups; A, B, C, D, E and F representing control, phenylhydrazine group, ferrous sulphate group, phenylhydrazine + 100mg/kg Biherbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus, phenylhydrazine + 200mg/kg Biherbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus and phenylhydrazine + 400mg/kg Biherbal formulation of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus respectively. Haematological parameters, mRNA IL-1β and TGF-β were determined using haematology autoanalyzer and polymerase chain reaction respectively. Data obtained was analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The comparison of haematological parameters amongst the study groups showed that Total white blood cell count (TWBC μL) was significantly lower in group A (3.75±0.28) when compared to group C (13.87±1.35), D (19.06±1.81), E (22.89±2.41) and F (12.62±0.98) (p<0.05). Group B (3.14±0.67) had a significantly lower TWBC count when compared to group C (13.87±1.35), D (19.06±1.81), E (22.89±2.41) and F (12.62±0.98) (p<0.05). Lymphocyte count (%) was significantly higher in group C (95.23±0.09) when compared to groups A (93.41±0.65), B (92.37±0.39), D (92.46±0.36), E (91.05±0.39) and F (92.09±0.49) (p<0.05). Monocyte count (%) was significantly lower in groups A (3.40±0.53), B (4.40±0.24) and C (3.63±0.07) when compared to groups D (6.09±0.32), E (6.85±0.21) and F (5.79±0.30) (p<0.05). Neutrophil count (%) was significantly higher in groups A (3.19±0.18) and B (3.23±0.63) when compared to groups C (1.14±0.03) and D (1.45±0.04) (p<0.05). Platelet count was significantly lower in group A (451.2±28.5) when compared to group C (896.5±103.6), E (1167.1±123.9) and F (1078.3±116.0) (p<0.05). Mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly lower in groups A (10.99±0.20), B (10.81±0.41), C (10.74±0.41) and D (10.28±0.16) when compared to group F (12.56±0.30) (p<0.05). There was a significant increase in the mRNA expression of IL-1β of group C and D when compared to group A and B (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of TGF-β of group B when compared to group A (p<0.05). Groups C showed statistically significant higher expressions of TGF-β when compared to group B (p<0.05). Groups D and E showed statistically significant lower expressions of TGF-β when compared to group A and B (p<0.05). Groups F showed statistically significant lower expressions of TGF-β when compared to group A (p<0.05). In conclusion, treatment with the bi-herbal formulation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in WBC counts and alterations in platelet parameters, with variable effects on IL-1β and TGF-β mRNA expression.
