# Impact of Curcuma longa on Hematopoiesis and Splenic Mass in an Animal Model Undergoing Docetaxel Chemotherapy

## TL;DR

This study shows that Curcuma longa can reduce the harmful effects of docetaxel chemotherapy on blood and spleen in rats, suggesting it may help in cancer treatment.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the hematoprotective and splenic modulatory effects of Curcuma longa in a docetaxel-treated animal model.

## Key findings

- Curcuma longa partially mitigated docetaxel-induced reductions in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
- Intermediate doses of Curcuma longa showed the most consistent protective effects on blood parameters.
- High-dose Curcuma longa did not significantly alter relative spleen weight in treated animals.

## Abstract

Chemotherapy with docetaxel is widely used in cancer treatment, but it is frequently associated with significant systemic toxicity, which can compromise patient tolerance and treatment outcomes. Natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been investigated as potential adjuvants to reduce these adverse effects. Curcuma longa, a medicinal plant rich in curcuminoids, has demonstrated protective effects in several experimental models of tissue injury and oxidative stress. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of Curcuma longa on hematological parameters and organ toxicity in an experimental animal model treated with docetaxel. Wistar rats were exposed to docetaxel, with or without Curcuma longa supplementation, and were evaluated at different time points. Our results show that Curcuma longa attenuated docetaxel-induced alterations in blood parameters and reduced systemic toxicity without compromising safety. These findings suggest that Curcuma longa may represent a promising adjuvant strategy to mitigate chemotherapy-induced toxicity, supporting further investigation of its potential role in oncology supportive care.

(1) Background: Chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity remains a major limitation to treatment continuity. Docetaxel is widely used in solid tumors due to its clinical efficacy, despite cumulative bone marrow suppression and splenic alterations. Curcuma longa is a phytochemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may confer cytoprotective effects on hematopoietic tissues. (2) Methods: One hundred and five male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five treatment groups and evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days. Animals received placebo, docetaxel alone, or docetaxel combined with Curcuma longa at doses of 25, 50, or 500 mg/kg/day. Post-treatment hematological parameters and relative spleen weight were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. (3) Results: Docetaxel induced progressive reductions in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, and platelets, with greater severity at day 21. Curcuma longa co-treatment partially mitigated these alterations in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Intermediate doses (25–50 mg/kg) showed the most consistent hematoprotective effects. High-dose treatment (500 mg/kg) was associated with no statistically significant change in relative spleen weight. (4) Conclusions: Curcuma longa partially mitigated docetaxel-induced hematological toxicity and modulated splenic responses in this experimental model. These findings support further translational studies on chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity to clarify the role of Curcuma longa as a low-toxicity strategy.