Pharmacognosy Magazine, Ahead of Print.
BackgroundAdverse effects of benzene (BZ) exposure toxicities were documented by many researchers worldwide. BZ exposure causes many hematological abnormalities that might be treated with naturally occurring phytocompounds.AimIn this experimental study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of L-carvone and thymoquinone together (LCTQ) against BZ-induced inflammatory toxicities in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.IntroductionBZ exposure could cause an excess formation of immature blood cells to enter the peripheral bloodstream. Phytocompounds namely L-carvone (LC) and thymoquinone (TQ) have confirmed anti-inflammatory effects against various diseases.Materials and MethodsRats were divided into four different groups such as control, LCTQ group, BZ pathologic group, and treatment group (LCTQ+BZ). After 10 weeks of the experimental period, body weight changes, hematological parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, RBC antioxidants, bone marrow cellular abnormalities, and bone marrow DNA fragmentation were evaluated.ResultsBZ toxicity showed abnormal loss of body weight, altered hematological parameters, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, abnormal cellular oxidative status, and DNA damage. LCTQ treatment showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight, normalized hematological parameters such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells (lymphocytes and eosinophils), platelets (PLT), and hematocrit with RBC parameters, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), controlled oxidative stress, normalized enzymatic antioxidants in the RBC cells, normalized nucleated cells, megakaryocyte cells, and controlled DNA fragmentation were observed.ConclusionThe current study showed an anti-inflammatory effect of LCTQ through the control of inflammation against benzene-induced toxicities in rats.