Impact of Curcuma longa on Hematopoiesis and Splenic Mass in an Animal Model Undergoing Docetaxel Chemotherapy.

(1)

Background

Chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity remains a major limitation to treatment continuity. Docetaxel is widely used in solid tumors due to its clinical efficacy, despite cumulative bone marrow suppression and splenic alterations. Curcuma longa is a phytochemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may confer cytoprotective effects on hematopoietic tissues. (2)

Methods

One hundred and five male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five treatment groups and evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days. Animals received placebo, docetaxel alone, or docetaxel combined with Curcuma longa at doses of 25, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day. Post-treatment hematological parameters and relative spleen weight were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. (3)

Results

Docetaxel induced progressive reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, and platelets, with greater severity at day 21. Curcuma longa co-treatment partially mitigated these alterations in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Intermediate doses (25-50 mg/kg) showed the most consistent hematoprotective effects. High-dose treatment (500 mg/kg) was associated with no statistically significant change in relative spleen weight. (4)

Conclusions

Curcuma longa partially mitigated docetaxel-induced hematological toxicity and modulated splenic responses in this experimental model. These findings support further translational studies on chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity to clarify the role of Curcuma longa as a low-toxicity strategy.