Therapeutic Potentials of Acacia Nilotica Aqueous Extract in Benzene -Induced Leukemia

Leukemia is a malignancy arising as a result of mutations in immature white blood cells called blasts that leads to growth and proliferation arrest during hematopoiesis. Medicinal plants have the ancient history of human use and have been considered one of the important and reliable sources to discover promising therapeutic agents in disease conditions, including leukemia. Acacia nilotica can provide the nutrients and therapeutic ingredients to prevent, mitigate or treat many diseases due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and phytosterol in Acacia nilotica. Leukemia was induced in albino rats using benzene solution. Different concentrations (7.5, 10, and 12.5 mg) of Acacia nilotica extract were administered to leukemic rats. Hematological parameters, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), antioxidants, electrolytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and uric acid levels were determined and compared with control groups consisting of a negative control, positive control and chemotherapeutic standard drug of doxorubicin and cyterabin control groups. Acacia nilotica produced higher WBC values (16.95×109/L to 14.00×109/L), which decreased with increasing dose but remained above control levels, likely due to non-malignant stimulation and its high phytosterol content. Red blood cell (RBC) counts were 7.95×10¹²/L, 6.69×10¹²/L, and 6.46×10¹²/L for negative, positive, and standard controls, respectively. LDH results were 367 U/L, 1844 U/L, and 377 U/L for negative, positive, and standard controls, respectively. Acacia nilotica 758 U/L at 7.5 mg. Sodium ion concentrations were 131 mmol/L, 111.4 mmol/L, and 132 mmol/L for negative, positive, and standard controls, respectively. Other electrolytes, CRP, and uric acid levels remained significantly (P< 0.05)   within normal ranges after treatment. The effects of the extracts were comparable to those of the standard drug (Doxorubicin/AraC), demonstrating similar therapeutic properties. Findings from this research validate the traditional and chemotherapeutic use of Acacia nilotica in the management of leukemia due to the presence of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, antioxidant capability and immunomodulatory role. Futher studies should focus on isolation of bioactive constituents to develop standard phyto-pharmaceuticals and elucidating their mechanism of action.