Myeloprotective potential of Malus domestica (Apple) in Carboplatin induced myelosuppression in Swiss albino rats-A way to prevent Dengue and similar viral diseases

Abstract

Background: It is a well-recognized clinical observation that there is bone marrow suppression in viral diseases affecting humans and also as a result of chemotherapy. Many plants and fruits are claimed to  possess the quality of myeloprotection. If so, they might be used for prevention of viral diseases.

Objective: To evaluate the potential of  epicarp extract of Malus domestica to prevent  myelosuppression induced by carboplatin.

Materials and Methods: Epicarp extract of Malus domestica (M.domestica) was prepared through anaerobic sublimation and ethanolic-aqueous filtration. Two groups of Swiss albino rats were taken. One group  was given Carboplatin(an anticancer agent) in the dose of 125 mg/kg to induce bone marrow suppression whereas second group was given carboplatin in the same dose  along with  100mg/Kg epicarp extract of M. domestica. Blood examination was carried out on day 1 and after 7 days to see the effects of the extract. Results were analyzed through SPSS version 21.

Results: Myelosuppression was observed in both Groups. On average there was more myelosuppression in the Carboplatin group alone marked by 87.53% reduction in platelets count,66.28% reduction in RBC and 67.11%  reduction in WBC count as compared with much  less myelosuppression in trial group evidenced by 22.83% ,6.61% and 18.79% reduction in platelets, RBC and WBC count respectively.It was evident that there was significant myeloprotection in the trial group (p<0.001) . 

Conclusions: Ethanolic-aqueous epicarp extract of M.domestica seemed to possess myeloprotective properties