Efficacy of Bacopa monnieri in Mitigating Lead-Induced Blood Toxicity in Mice Compared to Synthetic Antioxidants

Abstract The current study investigates the protective and therapeutic potential of Bacopa monnieri extract and synthetic antioxidants against lead-induced hematological toxicity in mice. HPLC analysis of Bacopa monnieri extract revealed a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including apigenin, luteolin flavonoids, bacosides, and bacopasaponins. In vivo experiments demonstrated significant hematological alterations in lead-exposed groups, with dose-dependent reductions in hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) count, platelet count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), alongside increases in white blood cell (WBC) count. Lead exposure resulted in hemoglobin declines of up to 51.82% and RBC reductions of up to 59.32% in high-dose groups, indicating severe hematotoxic effects. Co-administration of Bacopa monnieri extract or synthetic antioxidants mitigated these alterations, with Bacopa monnieri showing superior protection by maintaining hemoglobin, RBC, and platelet levels closer to control values. Curative treatments further restored hematological parameters near baseline, highlighting the efficacy of Bacopa monnieri in reversing lead-induced toxicity. The findings of the study revealed dose-dependent statistically significant (p < 0.001) alterations in hematological parameters of lead intoxicated mice groups as compared to control groups, while co-treatment with synthetic antioxidants or Bacopa monnieri extract conferred protection and reduce these toxic effects. Notably, Bacopa monnieri showed higher efficacy in mitigating lead-induced toxicity to hematological system. These data imply that Bacopa monnieri has better potential to be an effective ameliorative therapeutic agent against lead toxicity as compared to synthetic alternatives.