Kigelia africana Stem Bark, Fruit and Leaf Extracts Alleviate Benzene-induced Leukaemia in Rats

Abstract

Aims: This study was aimed at evaluating the potential leukaemia chemotherapeutic activities of various extracts of Kigelia africana stem bark; fruit and leaf by using a benzene-induced model of leukaemia to validate its folkloric use. Evidences from African herbal medicine and traditional applications have shown that Kigelia africana plant has several beneficial therapeutic properties against microbial infections and cancer cell lines. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria and study was conducted between August, 2016 and November, 2016. Methodology: Rats were administered 0.2 mL of benzene solution intravenously through the tail 48-hourly for 4 weeks, tested periodically and observed till leukaemia developed prior to treatment with respective extract of the Kigelia africana stem bark, fruit and leaf in appropriate rat groups after leukaemia was confirmed with haematological protocols. Leukaemic rats were administered with 100 mg/mL contained in 0.5 mL stem bark, 0.5 mL fruit and 0.2 mL of the leaf extract orally by gavage using oral cannula once daily post leukemia induction for four weeks. Haematological parameters and white blood cells differential counts (lymphocytes) were assessed in both control and treatment groups to determine the leukaemia burden. Results: Kigelia africana treatment using the stem bark, fruit and leaf significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated the anaemia indices and reduced the marked leucocytosis usually associated with leukaemia toward the negative control level when compared with the leukaemia control group. Antileukaemic activity however appears to be highest in stem bark, and least in the leaf. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential of ethanol extracts of Kigelia africana stem bark, fruit and leaf to reverse leukaemic effects in benzene-induced leukaemia bearing wistar rats and this suggest that the extracts might be promising natural, non-toxic and anticancer agents.