Attenuation of vincristine-induced genotoxicity and histological derangements by Tridax procumbens leaf extract in male Wistar rats
Year: 2026
Type: article
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.
Institution: University of Ibadan
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7166554173