Comparative renoprotective and haematological effects of gallocathechin and Anona muricata in rats treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)

Background: Chemically induced carcinogenesis often leads to renal dysfunction and haematological abnormalities. Objective: This study compared the effects of doxorubicin, gallocatechin, and Annona muricataleaf extract (AMLE) on renal function, oxidative stress, and haematological markers in rats treated with cancer-inducing DMBA. Methods: Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into five groups (n=10). Group A served as control; GroupB received DMBA (80 mg/kg); Groups C–E received DMBA followed by doxorubicin (4 mg/kg weekly), gallocatechin (40 mg/kg daily), or AMLE (40 mg/kg daily) for 21 days, respectively. Renal function markers (urea, creatinine, electrolytes), oxidative stress indices (SOD, CAT, MDA, total protein), and haematological parameters (PCV, RBC, Hb, WBC, platelets) were measured. Kidney histology was also evaluated. Results: DMBA-treated rats (Group B) showed increased kidney weight, elevated serum urea and creatinine, oxidative stress (↑MDA, ↓SOD, ↓CAT), electrolyte imbalance,↓PCV, ↓RBC, ↓Hb, and ↑WBC. Doxorubicin (Group C) reduced kidney weight and partially reversed electrolyte imbalance but exacerbated renal and haematological toxicity. In contrast, gallocatechin (Group D) and AMLE (Group E) significantly improved renal markers, restored antioxidant enzyme levels, corrected electrolyte and hematologic imbalances, and ameliorated kidney histopathology. AMLE showed the most pronounced histological recovery. Conclusion: While doxorubicin retained antitumor effects, it contributed to renal and haematological damage. Gallocatechin and AMLE demonstrated superior nephroprotectiveand hematopoietic benefits, primarily via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, making them promising adjuncts in cancer therapy